THE PIT IS NOT THE END
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 37:23-28
Key Verse: “And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.” (Genesis 37:24)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 40:1-3; Lamentations 3:31-33; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
INTRODUCTION
Life’s journey often includes unexpected descents into circumstances that feel restrictive, painful, and unjust. Joseph’s experience in the pit reveals that moments of betrayal and abandonment do not nullify divine promises. Though the pit appeared to be the termination of his dream, it was in fact a transitional phase within God’s sovereign design.
The pit symbolizes seasons when vision seems buried beneath disappointment, when relationships fracture, and when hope appears distant. However, Scripture consistently demonstrates that God specializes in transforming low places into launching pads for greater glory. What seems like an end to human understanding is often the beginning of divine orchestration.
Believers must therefore understand that the pit is not a permanent residence but a temporary preparation ground. When entrusted to God, every painful season becomes purposeful, and every setback becomes a setup for supernatural advancement.
1. THE REALITY OF THE PIT EXPERIENCE
The pit is often sudden, painful, and undeserved, yet it serves a divine purpose.
a) Betrayal by the Familiar (Genesis 37:23–24)
Joseph was cast into the pit by his own brothers, illustrating that painful seasons sometimes originate from those closest to us, yet God remains sovereign over their actions.
b) Isolation and Silence (Genesis 37:24)
The emptiness of the pit reflects seasons where support systems disappear, and one must rely entirely on God’s sustaining presence.
c) Misjudged and Misunderstood (Genesis 37:19-20)
Joseph’s dream was mocked and misinterpreted, reminding us that divine vision is not always comprehended by human perception.
d) The Shock of Sudden Descent (Genesis 37:23)
One moment Joseph wore a coat of many colors; the next he was stripped and discarded, showing how quickly circumstances can change without altering God’s purpose.
Biblical Example: Jeremiah was lowered into a dungeon for speaking God’s word, yet the confinement could not silence the prophetic destiny upon his life (Jeremiah 38:6-13).
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE PIT
Though painful, the pit refines character and redirects destiny according to divine wisdom.
a) Development of Humility
The pit dismantles pride and self-reliance, cultivating a deeper dependence on God’s grace and timing.
b) Separation from Distractions
Isolation often removes unhealthy attachments, positioning the dreamer for clearer focus and spiritual maturity.
c) Preparation for Responsibility
God uses hidden seasons to build resilience, patience, and leadership capacity necessary for future elevation.
d) Divine Redirection (Romans 8:28)
What appears as destruction may actually be redirection toward a greater and more strategic destiny.
Biblical Example: David’s time fleeing from Saul in caves prepared him emotionally and spiritually to lead Israel with wisdom and compassion (1 Samuel 22:1-2).
3. GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE PIT
The absence of people does not equate to the absence of God.
a) Divine Nearness (Psalm 40:1–2)
God hears the cry of His children and lifts them from miry clay into stability and praise.
b) Preservation of Life (Lamentations 3:31-33)
Though afflicted, the believer is never abandoned or rejected permanently by the Lord.
c) Sustaining Grace (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Troubled on every side, yet not destroyed, pressed but not crushed, because God’s power sustains.
d) Hope Beyond the Darkness
Even in silence, God is actively arranging the next chapter of elevation and restoration.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas prayed in prison, and God transformed confinement into a testimony of deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).
4. THE LIFTING AFTER THE PIT
No pit is permanent when destiny is divinely ordained.
a) Supernatural Extraction (Genesis 37:28)
Joseph was lifted from the pit at the precise moment aligned with God’s timeline, demonstrating divine intervention.
b) Transition to Purpose
Though sold into slavery, each step moved him closer to the palace rather than away from it.
c) Promotion Through Process (Genesis 41:14)
The journey from pit to palace occurred because God used every stage to shape capacity and wisdom.
d) Fulfillment of the Dream (Genesis 42:6)
The same dream mocked in the pit manifested openly in the palace, proving that divine revelation cannot be buried permanently.
Biblical Example: Jesus endured the grave, yet resurrection power declared that death was not the end but the gateway to glory (Matthew 28:5-6).
CONCLUSION
The pit is not the end of your story; it is a chapter within a greater narrative authored by God. Joseph’s descent did not cancel his destiny but confirmed that the pathway to greatness often includes valleys of testing and refinement.
Every believer must recognize that hardship does not negate calling, and isolation does not invalidate promise. When entrusted to God, the pit becomes preparation, and rejection becomes redirection.
Your present low place is not your final destination. The same God who permits the pit orchestrates the lifting. Hold firmly to His promise, for elevation is certain in His appointed time.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, grant me strength to endure every pit season without losing faith in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me trust Your purpose even when circumstances appear discouraging in Jesus name.
3. Father, develop my character through trials and refine my spirit in Jesus name.
4. Lord, preserve my destiny from destruction during seasons of isolation in Jesus name.
5. Father, turn every betrayal into a stepping stone toward elevation in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let Your presence be evident in my lowest moments in Jesus name.
7. Father, align every setback with Your divine redirection in Jesus name.
8. Lord, grant me patience as You prepare me for greater responsibility in Jesus name.
9. Father, bring supernatural lifting at the appointed time in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my testimony declare that the pit was not the end in Jesus name.
