Chapter 5 of Watchmen on The Wall carries a powerful truth: “Every place we find ourselves is an assignment from God.” This concept echoes a biblical truth that God is sovereign in our placement—not just spiritually, but geographically, vocationally, relationally, and situationally. Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, God places people in specific locations for divine purposes. Despite human weakness, fear, failure, or even rebellion, those who submit to His will experience restoration and fruitfulness.
In life and ministry, there will be seasons when the weight of your assignment feels overwhelming—especially when resources are low, direction seems unclear, or emotional exhaustion threatens your focus. As watchmen on the wall, we must not only stay alert spiritually but also endure with understanding.
This teaching was born from a deeply personal and prophetic question:
“Why has God placed me here?”
That question becomes especially urgent when you’re standing in a place that feels hard, hidden, or unfruitful. Whether you’re facing financial pressure, emotional strain, or spiritual dryness—know this: you are not randomly placed. You are divinely assigned.
From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently positioned His people with purpose. And in every case—whether in the wilderness, the palace, the prison, or exile—He taught them how to endure with hope, live with clarity, and move with power.
This teaching will help you:
- Discern God’s purpose in your current placement
- Identify what is testing your endurance
- Understand the season you’re in and how provision aligns with it
- Refocus your heart on what God is building through you—even in the struggle
Let us move forward with spiritual eyes wide open, enduring not just to survive—but to finish well.
1. Genesis: Joseph in Egypt
Assignment: To preserve a remnant of God’s people
Scripture: Genesis 45:7-8; 50:20
Flaws/Failures: Arrogance, betrayal by family
For Discussion & Consideration: Was Joseph Arrogant? What about ourselves?
While the Bible never directly labels Joseph as “arrogant,” his early behavior and tone in Genesis 37 strongly suggest immaturity and pride—especially in how he communicated his dreams to his brothers.
📖 Genesis 37:5–11 (selected excerpts, AMP)
v.5: “Now Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him even more.”
v.7: “We were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves stood all around my sheaf and bowed down to it.”
v.9: “Then he dreamed still another dream, and told it to his brothers [as well]. He said, ‘Listen! I have [again] dreamed a dream: and behold, this time not only your sheaves, but the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me!’”
v.11: “His brothers were envious of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
💡 Why it suggests arrogance:
- He eagerly shared dreams of dominance with people already hostile to him.
- He didn’t consider how it would be received—especially when his father and mother were part of the symbolism.
- The tone and repetition show a lack of wisdom, humility, and timing—traits that were refined later through suffering.
Later Growth:
Years later, when Joseph is elevated in Egypt, we see a transformed man—humble, gracious, and fully aware that his position was not earned, but entrusted by God.
Genesis 45:7–8 (AMP):
“God sent me ahead of you to preserve life… So now it was not you who sent me here, but God.”
So while Genesis 37 captures Joseph’s youthful arrogance and lack of discernment, his journey—from pit to prison to palace—shows how God used hardship to purify his character for a greater calling.
Overcoming: Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Through humility and faith, he rose to power.
Lesson Learned: God sent me ahead to preserve life.
Joseph realized that Egypt wasn’t a punishment—it was a divine positioning for a redemptive outcome.
2. Exodus: Moses in Midian and Egypt
Assignment: Deliver the Israelites
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12
Flaws/Failures: Murder, fear, self-doubt
Overcoming: God met him in his hiding place, gave him signs, and reminded him, “I will be with you.”
Lesson Learned: Obedience doesn’t require perfection, only surrender.
God placed Moses in Pharaoh’s house and later in the desert to prepare him for divine confrontation.
3. Esther in the Persian Palace
Assignment: Deliver her people from annihilation
Scripture: Esther 4:14
Flaws/Failures: Initial fear and passivity
Overcoming: Fasting and courage through Mordecai’s exhortation
Lesson Learned: “For such a time as this.”
She understood that the palace wasn’t a coincidence but a divine assignment requiring boldness.
4. Daniel in Babylon
Assignment: Bear witness, preserve faith, interpret visions
Scripture: Daniel 1:8; 6:10; 9:2-19
Flaws/Failures: Youthful vulnerability, exile
Overcoming: A disciplined life of prayer, fasting, and integrity
Lesson Learned: Faithfulness in exile glorifies God.
Daniel never compromised despite political and cultural pressure.
5. Jeremiah in Jerusalem
Assignment: Warn the people, call to repentance
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5-10; 20:7-9
Flaws/Failures: Emotional weariness, depression
Overcoming: Continued obedience despite rejection
Lesson Learned: Even when unheeded, the truth must be spoken.
He stayed in Jerusalem during its collapse because it was his assigned post.
6. Paul in Various Cities (e.g., Philippi, Corinth, Rome)
Assignment: Preach the Gospel, establish churches
Scripture: Acts 16:9-10; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Flaws/Failures: Zealous persecutor turned apostle, physical affliction
Overcoming: Embraced grace; leaned into weakness as power
Lesson Learned: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Wherever Paul found himself—jail, storm, trial—it became a pulpit.
7. John on the Island of Patmos
Assignment: Receive and record the Revelation of Jesus Christ
Scripture: Revelation 1:9-11
Flaws/Failures: Isolation, old age
Overcoming: Worship and spiritual sensitivity despite exile
Lesson Learned: Exile is not absence from God—it may be where He speaks clearest.
From a lonely rock came the vision of eternity.
Overarching Themes from These Lives:
| Flaw or Crisis | God’s Response | Outcome |
| Betrayal or exile (Joseph) | Strategic placement for salvation | Elevated for redemptive purpose |
| Fear and unworthiness (Moses) | Divine reassurance and empowerment | Deliverance for a nation |
| Political isolation (Esther) | Providential positioning | National deliverance |
| Cultural displacement (Daniel) | Divine favor and wisdom | Influence over empires |
| Emotional pain (Jeremiah) | Renewed fire and endurance | Faithfulness in rejection |
| Weakness and affliction (Paul) | Sufficient grace | Multiplication of ministry |
| Isolation (John) | Revelation of eternity | Prophetic insight for the Church |
Practical Application for Today’s Watchmen:
“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given to you.” — Joshua 1:3 (AMP)
“Seek the peace of the city… and pray to the Lord on its behalf.” — Jeremiah 29:7 (AMP)
Just as God placed His servants in exact locations to fulfill eternal purposes, our assignment is not random. Whether in a boardroom, a classroom, a hospital, or even in crisis, God positions us as watchmen and witnesses. He doesn’t require perfection—He desires obedience, endurance, and faith.
