Genesis 39:21New International Version (NIV)
21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Joseph was first sold by his very own brothers into slavery. He manages to survive that when he impresses Potiphar and secures employment in his household as a trusted household manager. However, he finds himself wrongly accused of rape when he refuses Potiphar's wife's advances. In both of these unfortunate events, Joseph seems to maintain an admirable inner strength. He does not quickly give up and succumb to hopelessness. Admirably, he could have chosen to be a victim, but he does not. Instead he does his best in the simple tasks assigned to him. While he is incarcerated, his positive attitude and diligence does not escape the attention of the warden, who rewards him with a promotion to prison administrator. In both circumstances, as a slave and as a prisoner, Joseph finds himself cast down to the bottom of society. But like foam displaced to the bottom of a lake, Joseph, through God's grace, always resurfaces to the top.
Are you facing a hopeless predicament at home, at school or at work? Follow Joseph's example by taking each small tasks given to you and do them well. Remember how God turned Joseph's situation around. He will see your efforts and can reverse even overwhelming odds. I know, He has done it for me, more than a few times.
I believe few out of many have come to surely know the overwhelming moments of God's faithfulness to us. Despite the treacherous terrain of overcoming the world and it's ways, an enduring hope will carry us into the light that convincingly enales us to smile unto the Lord. Hence, we praise. True praise, without paying mind to others around us (negative or positive), lifting our hands and our voices either in solitude or in public, the Lord sees it all.
ReplyDeleteThe warden is notable in this passage. Father God must sent his angels to intervene and help Joseph, encouraging him and edifying Joseph through his hardships. Indeed, whomever the writer of this blog entry is, may the Lord bless you, for you recognize the work of the Lord amidst the overwhelming odds. May we always keep the promises of Jesus close to us, from beginning to end. Soli Deo gloria!
Ah, cant stay away from this one!
ReplyDeleteJoseph, as he is wrongfully accused and detained he must be thinking, "Okay Lord, here I am in prison. Didnt see this coming, yet im here. Now what should I do?". Throughout the bible, the "character" of God always seems to be not worried of things we humans would typically be worried about. When his children are in the "pits", there is never anxiety, only focus. As in, "now, continue to walk with me, for I am your God.". Joseph, knowing that God can "move mountains from here to there" (finding favor from the warden is an example), is not for a moment anxious, instead quietly carries on the works given unto him, as the blogwriter points out: the simple tasks.
Personally, I have experienced moments of animosity from those I do not know and friends alike, for no reason I can find. Even to the courts of law! Though, the Lord has showed me how to live, and I was able to put aside my selfishness and anxiously trying to vindicate myself (i dont deserve this! They are wrong, Lord, save me!) by placing my focus on proverbs and psalms, patiently waiting while I assumed further responsibilities at home and work. Of course, repentance preceded this change of direction. The thought came, "if i were to die today, which mindstate should i be in? Immersed in worldly affairs, or my loyalty to the one true King?".
My mantra for this past week has been Joshua 1:9. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discourage for the Lord, your God, is with you, wherever you go." As I read through Joseph's life story, I was impressed by the fact that nothing was noted in the Bible about him, kicking or screaming, blaming or moping. Maybe, he hinted at being disappointed when the cupbearer totally forgot all about him and the promise the latter made when they were stuck in prison together. Joseph essentially made the proverbial lemonade out of the lemons that was given him. And maybe, just maybe, he also kept on chanting the same mantra I am still chanting today: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord, your God, is with you, wherever you go."
ReplyDeleteAs I watch the Presidential Candidates stump through the various states to win the votes they need to become the nominee, I am struck by the resilience of one particular candidate. In the midst of allegations of possible crimes committed, the public scrutiny into her life and career decisions, the doubts casts about her integrity, and in the not so distant past, having had to deal with a husband who is a womanizer, I cannot help but be impressed with her moxie. Where does she get all this courage and confidence to face the public and the nation? I wonder whether, she gets her strength from the same God that we know, believe and worship? I am just wondering......
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, I know without a trace of a doubt, that Joseph got his confidence and his courage from the God of his father, his grandfather, his great grandfather and the ancestors that came before him. His strength came from the real Source.
Thank you so much for sharing! This entry has really encouraged me as I am going through an immense turmoil. Certain words have really left deep impression on my mind: inner strength, positive attitude, diligence, and God's grace. Being reminded of Joseph's story and those words have shed some light on how to respond to the conflict raging inside me: I need to meet my struggles on bent knee of prayer. I must stay mentally focused on the small tasks God still has for me daily: work, training, Bible Study, communicating and spending time with God, and absorbing the lessons I receive to grow as a person of God. Keep my eyes fixed on the ultimate prize of life: my relationship with Christ.
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