3 P's

The Pit
Joseph in Genesis 37-50 found himself in awkward situations. Some of it was because of himself, and other issues were based on the call of God.

We should say, the "price", of the call of God.

Joseph was thrown in a pit for proclaiming ridiculous grand visions of truth. I say ridiculous because if you have read that story, you would say too that he was ridiculous for telling all his older brothers, and his father and mother that someday that his whole family would bow before him in deep awe...
If my younger brother would of told me that, living at home, I would of thrown him in a pit too along with his coat of many colorful visions!!! I am saying that timing is everything. You can be right, but still be wrong. Right in what you are saying, but wrong in either the delivery, or wrong in the timing of that delivery. Joseph may have been able to spare himself the pit, even though God meant it for his good. But He did "meant it" (not a typo, read your Bibles!).

The Prison
After Joseph is pulled out of his lofty pit, he is sold into slavery where he is blamed for something that he never did. The prison is symbolic of a training ground. (A time where you know you can do the same things as successful people, but don't have the same connections or favor right now!) What God does in the prison is hold you back, put you on a shelf, and for a moment you feel forgotten about. Even though God hasn't forgotten about you, you are there for 2 reasons... to develop your character, and stay faithful to God. The experiences of the prison sustain you when blessings come. The prison works all the pride out of you, and allows Jesus to live in the flesh (Gal 2:20) through you. It is a necessary time. God's favor and anointing are built during this time.

The Palace
Later Joseph is exonerated for validated time in the pit, and the prison. He goes to the palace to rule as second in command only to the King of Egypt or Pharoah. Of course, now, all those lofty, ridiculous dreams don't seem to mean so much now, but they do come true. They come true because "Joseph being bowed to" is not the issue. The issue for Joseph to reign was not to glorify himself, but that a nation would be saved under starvation and famine. Those dreams came true not only because God had truly given them, but could I suggest that Joseph also submitted himself to the process of God. We know this because even when tempted with adultery with Potipher's wife, Joesph runs out not wanting to sin and dishonor God. He ran from the right thing.

Joseph began to see the process of God in his 13 year journey from going to the pit as a 17 year old boy. Then, the prison, and finally the palace at age 30. God has a method to what seems like madness to you. Remember, God is in control, not you.