Last week we saw how Joseph's
brothers sold him to Ishmaelite slave traders and how they then
continued with their scam by lying to their father about Joseph.
They brought back his tunic, dipped in goat's blood, insinuating
that Joseph was killed by a wild animal. This broke their father
and he mourned for a very long time, sitting in sackcloth. This
didn't even convince them to tell him the truth; they were too deep
into their lies and couldn't back away then.
In the meantime poor Joseph was
taken to Egypt and sold as a slave there. We don't know what was
going through Joseph's mind at this stage, but it must have been
frightening for him. He had never been far away from home, and now
he found himself in the most civilized and biggest place in the
world at that point. It must have been very intimidating for him.
And to top it all off he was all alone, without his family close by
and he had to work as a slave. So what his mindset was at this
stage we don't know. But it must have been a very tough time for
this young man. After all he was just seventeen years old.
BUT GOD. He was with Joseph in a
mighty way:
"The Lord was with Joseph, and
he was a successful man. And his master saw that they Lord was with
him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So
Joseph found favor in his sight and served him. Then he made him
overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed
the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the
Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he
left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he
had except for the bread which he ate." Genesis 39:2-6
God used a terrible situation and
turned it around for Joseph. God gave Joseph favor with Potiphar
and He blessed his house and his field for Joseph's sake. How
amazing is that? Joseph also did so well, that Potiphar made him
overseer over his whole household. Joseph had no experience, he had
no knowledge of running a household, but because God was with him,
He helped him every step of the way. God promoted Joseph to a
new level. And I truly believe it was because Joseph was open to
being used by God and he allowed God to work through him.
Potiphar's only concern every day was what he was going to eat!
Joseph was on top of everything else. It truly is amazing given his
age and work experience. God was there with him, every step of the
way!
When we are open to God's leading
and ready to be used by Him, He will work through us for the glory
of His Kingdom. I know that God will use situations in our lives
that we deem as terrible and even devastating, to work out His
good. He promises us in Romans 8:28 that He will do that for
us:
"…all things work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are called according to
His purpose."
All things, good and bad things,
will work out for our good if we love God. Isn't it an amazing
promise? We just need to continue giving our best and walking
alongside God just as Joseph did. And we needn't be qualified for
the job, we simply need to have a heart for God, then He will
provide us with all the skills we need to do what He has laid out
for us to do. For example, I am not a good writer. I really am not.
I am a Chartered Accountant, so my strong point is number
crunching. I am not really that strong in languages. And yet, I
have written twelve books now and more than 500 devotions, and that
is only because God wanted me to and led me to do it. It is truly
supernatural, as I am not naturally gifted in this area. And God
will do the same for you. If you truly want to exalt Him in all
that you do, He will use you mightily for His Kingdom. He will give
you the skills set that you need, do not be afraid. All that He
wants to bless you with is on the other side of fear. So be
courageous and allow God to work through you in wonderful ways. He
wants to and will truly help you. Then you can give all glory to
Him and exalt Him in every area of your life.
Father thank you that You are with
us every day of the week. Thank you that You have good plans for
us, that You want to use us in every single way. Use us Lord, lead
us unto Your paths everlasting. We want to portray Your Kingdom to
others, give us the skills set that we need to be able to do that.
We love You. Amen