“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.'” (Genesis 41:41, ESV)

Joseph, the ultimate rags to riches story. One day in prison, the next day on the throne. Unknown to Egypt, then announced to the land as the right-hand man of Pharaoh. The world came to know his name, but not before his brothers tried to erase it. He was an overnight success.

Or was he? Nope. Nothing could be further from the truth. When Pharaoh placed a ring on his finger, a chain on his neck, garments on his body, and a wife by his side, it was the culmination of God's work in Joseph's life. For thirteen long years, God had prepared his man through trials and tragedies.

Paul taught believers that our "suffering produces," and Joseph had allowed his to produce a man of endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3). In Potiphar's house and an Egyptian prison, he endured long years of servitude. In both places, he demonstrated a Christlike character of holiness. And he retained his hope that God would fulfill the dreams of his youth.

No, Joseph was not an overnight success. God had shaped and matured him from age seventeen to thirty. Joseph learned to serve everyone well; his father, Potiphar, and the Egyptian jailer benefited from his life. And now he was ready to serve Pharaoh in like manner. God had prepared him for the work.

Do not despise the days of trial and testing. God is building you. He is preparing you to serve well. He is remaking you in Christ's image so you can more closely resemble him and be his hands and feet here on earth. He will not shape you overnight, but over many nights of the soul, before thrusting you further into fruit-bearing for his glory.