“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15
Dothan, located in the northern part of ancient Israel, appears twice in Scripture in the context where someone cries out to God in deep trouble. God does answer, however, very differently.
In Genesis 37, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers at Dothan. After being stripped of his robe, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery, I imagine Joseph, as he trudges along the road to Egypt, praying: “God, what are you doing? Please deliver me!” No answer.
Then in Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar. When Potiphar’s wife accuses him of rape, Joseph is thrown in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Again, I imagine his prayer: “God, you promised my great-grandfather, Abraham, we would be a great nation, and here I am in this stinking prison. What are you doing?” No answer.
Yes, Joseph’s prayers are eventually answered. Joseph later testifies to his brothers:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20
But in those two decades between Joseph’s prayer in Dothan and God’s eventual answer—Joseph clearly grew in his relationship with God. He resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife. After God places him as second in command in Egypt he uses the position to help many people—including his brothers who betrayed him. Two decades of pain and disappointment. But God did not forget Joseph—and—Joseph grew in his relationship with God and thus, became one of the greatest heroes of Israel.
Contrast that with the story in 2 Kings 6. Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Syrian army at Dothan. Elisha’s servant panicked, but Elisha prayed:
“Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.”
Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
2 Kings 6:17
God answered Elisha’s prayer immediately, revealing a heavenly army ready to protect them. Deliverance was instant and undeniable.
Why the difference? Why was Elisha rescued right away, while Joseph waited decades?
The answer lies not in God’s POWER, but in carrying out His PURPOSE.
Joseph was favored by his father and spoke of his dreams of ruling over his brothers. God knew Joseph better than he knew himself. Joseph needed to be refined; perhaps even humbled lest his pride in being the favorite—destroy the work God had planned for him. The pit, slavery, and prison were not signs of God’s absence—they were tools of preparation. When the time was right, God raised him up to save an entire nation.
Elisha, on the other hand, was already walking closely with God and fully equipped for the moment. His servant needed vision, not time. The immediate answer revealed that God’s protection was already in place—it just had to be seen.
Both men prayed. Both were heard. Both were delivered. But the timing was different, because the preparation required was different.
Sometimes, like Elisha, we see quick answers. Other times, like Joseph, we wait. That doesn’t mean God has forgotten us. It means He’s forming us. When the wait seems long, remember: Unanswered prayers are often not denials—they are delays, designed for growth.
If God had rescued Joseph immediately, he might never have become the man who could forgive his brothers, interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, and steward Egypt through famine. The delay was part of the design.
Today’s Challenge:
Is there something you’ve been praying for that hasn’t happened yet? Don’t lose heart. Ask God what He’s developing in you during the wait. Instead of resenting the delay, trust that He is preparing you for something greater than you can see right now.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that You always hear my prayers. Help me trust Your timing, even when I don’t understand it. Give me faith like Joseph to endure the process and eyes like Elisha’s servant to see that You are always at work. Grow me in the waiting, and prepare me for the purpose You’ve ordained for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
