As we continue these thoughts on knowing and following after the will of God for our lives, it is IMPORTANT to note:  Never attempt to evaluate your position in the will of God by the circumstances that surround you! It was not until the later part of Joseph’s story that he realized that it was God’s plan all along to get him from the pit to the palace.  Obviously, there were things that he learned along the way and obstacles that he overcame, but he was confident that the overarching plan was God’s. So just because you are obedient to God’s instructions, doesn’t mean that a) it’s a strait line from point A to point B and b) that it will always be comfortable!  Take a look at how God’s will looked in Paul’s journey… In the first chapter of Romans we read Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Christians living at Rome.  In verses 9-10 we read: “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.” Would you say that Paul had a prosperous journey to Rome?   Indeed, he did. But along the way, he was imprisoned in Jerusalem, threatened by death, shipwrecked off the island of Mileta, bitten by a venomous snake and finally brought to Rome as a prisoner of the state.  Could this be considered a prosperous journey? I would have to say, Yes, because Paul was in the will of God, and His will is often circuitous in nature! Was a young David in the will of God while playing dodge ball (spear) with his father in law? Was he still in the will of God when it turned into a hide and seek game for his life?  Very similar thoughts on his journey as what Joseph went through.  David was in the will of God while tending sheep, killing lions and giants, playing the harp or conquering Philistines.  He was anointed to rule Israel and that anointing took him down many different roads (none which were comfortable or convenient) to get him to the palace. So, what does your life look like right now?  Do you feel like trying to follow God has left you in a pit or dodging the preverbal spears life can hurl at you each week?  If so, have courage, God’s not done.  God promised in Exodus 33:14 MSG “My presence will go with you.  I’ll see the journey to the end.”   The promise is right over the horizon.  The palace and position are awaiting your arrival!