Generation Z: Born for the StormSample

Born for a Purpose: Zaphenath-Paneah

Generation Z cares deeply about purpose. Zaphenath-Paneah (Pharaoh’s name for Joseph) shows us how to live God’s purpose:

Establish your identity. Joseph’s father gave his favorite son, Joseph, a coat of many colors. Our heavenly Father has gifted us with the clothing of Jesus Christ and His righteousness (Isaiah 61:1–3, Galatians 3:27). We are God’s beloved. To fulfill our purpose, being a follower of Christ must become our principal identity.

Speak your dream. Joseph dreamed his family bowed before him. He spoke his dreams and set something supernatural into motion. Something happened when Ananias declared Paul’s purpose (Acts 9:17–18), when Samuel declared David’s purpose (1 Samuel 16:13), and when Jesus declared His purpose by reading from Isaiah in the Nazareth synagogue (Luke 4:17–21). Speaking your dream starts a supernatural process.

Endure. Young Joseph may have understood God’s purpose for his life, but his path took 13 years. He was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, wrongly accused, and jailed. Later, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and was made regent of Egypt. When God gives you a vision, its fulfillment is not usually easy. As you commit to doing what is required, God will help you endure.

Refuse to compromise. While Joseph was a slave, his master’s wife tried multiple times to seduce him. He escaped, leaving his coat in her hands. God says to flee immorality and pursue righteousness (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22). Don’t compromise. As Joseph’s life proves, when you keep your integrity, you keep your favor.

Prepare for the possibilities. Joseph was ready to excel. When his time came, he was prepared to interpret dreams. Your purpose requires preparation. Prepare so that when doors open, you can confidently step through them and do what God has called you to do.

Pardon the pain. It may be the greatest threat to fulfilling your purpose. Though mistreated and betrayed by his brothers, Joseph forgave them. He let go of the pain others had caused him.

Focus on the finish. Don’t forget God’s endgame. Near the end of his life, Joseph, by faith, made the Israelites swear they would bury him in Canaan, anticipating the exodus (Hebrews 11:22).

If you are in Christ, you are clothed with His righteousness. So, speak out your dream. Let God activate the process to purpose. Keep your integrity, and never forget that God has you.