Do you get angry with others when they don’t keep their promises; or you must wait for them to get ready; or you expected to get paid back on time; or chores weren’t completed; etc., etc. We constantly have expectations of other drivers, our family members, church members, store clerks, the men and women we work with, etc. Joseph didn’t allow his expectations of others to ruin his walk with God.

Psalm 105:17-21 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:

Several years ago, I heard a message about anger that relates it to our expectations. I have been teaching through Genesis in Sunday School. Last week we studied Joseph and his interpretation of the butler and baker’s dreams. After telling the butler that he would be back on the job in three days Joseph made the following request:

Genesis 40:14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

Joseph had already been in prison for several years. What might his expectation be after giving the butler good news and making a request of him? It would be two more long years in prison for Joseph. Most of us would get angry. In fact, if anyone had reason to be bitter and angry it would be Joseph. In the Scriptures we are only told of Joseph’s good qualities. Joseph continued to be faithful to God. After two years the butler would remember Joseph, and he would be promoted to second highest ruler in Egypt and save his people.

Let’s not allow other people to ruin our walk with God by our getting angry. God has given us the fruit of Longsuffering. Webster 1828 defines longsuffering and gives a quote from the Bible:  Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked.

The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness. Ex. 34.



God has been longsuffering with each of us. Let’s be longsuffering with others. Because Joseph was longsuffering, he became free. Many go from being free to becoming shackled to their anger. How is it with you?