Top 10 Reasons Why Joseph of Egypt Was Amazing

As I've studied the life of Joseph of Egypt, I've come to a much deeper appreciation for this great man and prophet of God. (Genesis 40-45)
Here are 10 reasons why I think Joseph of Egypt was truly an amazing prophet and example of Christ-like qualities:

• He never let the unfairness of his circumstances embitter him towards God
• He found ways to prosper in every situation he was placed in.
• He developed patience.
• He was a hard worker.
• He was courageous.
• He was trustworthy and trusted in God.
• He forgave his brothers for their jealousy and treachery.
• He was humble, always giving God the credit for his powers.
• He loved his parents and respected his father's wishes for his burial.
• He prophesied* about his posterity, down to the latter-days.

*In the Book of Mormon, Joseph (of Egypt) is mentioned in 22 verses. His prophecies were written on the plates of brass and Nephi remarked:  

“For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater.” 2 Nephi 4:2

So much of Joseph's life serves as a metaphor or type for Jesus Christ.

From Prison to Prestige

But something new occurred to me today: For years, Joseph suffered in prison and then next thing he knew, he was promoted to Viceroy to all of Egypt! It makes me think of Jesus, taken custody and then crucified, but ultimately triumphing over sin and death.

"Jesus once of humble birth,
Now in glory comes to earth.
Once he suffered grief and pain,
Now he comes on earth he comes to reign!" (Jesus Once of Humble Birth, #196)

And through our Savior's Atonement, we too can be lifted from our very humble state to live in glory with Him and our Heavenly Parents. We may not see it now. We may be like Joseph, feeling like we are imprisoned in a difficult circumstance which we alone are powerless to escape. But someday we will, with God's help, we will. And until that happens, we can use our period of affliction to learn something.

VIDEO: Elder Christofferson shares how he ultimately came to rely on God one day at a time through a very stressful and vexing time in this video entitled Daily Bread: Experience.

Forgiveness

Joseph developed many Christ-like character traits that allowed God to work through him, not the least of which was forgiveness.
He could have been so embittered towards his brothers that it would have caused him to fail at his job or give up in prison. But it's obvious that Joseph was able to rise above his deep feelings of hurt and pain.

VIDEO: President Uchtdorf counsels us to refrain from judging and instead, extend mercy in this video:





VIDEO: Two brothers come to love and forgive each other for past misunderstandings.

So, how can you spiritually prosper in your current (and possibly adverse) circumstances?
Who do you need to forgive?
How can we use Joseph's example to inspire us to be more Christ-like?