"But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happend in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed." Genesis 39:21-23 (NLT)
As I was having my quiet time this morning, I came across the story of Joseph, specifically, the story of how he was wrongly accused by Potiphar's wife and then thrown into prison. No trial, no lawyer, no hope. Joseph was wronged, no doubt about it. It wasn't the first time. He had also been wronged by his brothers and sold into slavery which is what landed him in Egypt, in Potiphar's home as a slave. Instead of succombing to his circumstances, he trusted God. He didn't give up. The Bible says that the "LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did." (Genesis 39:2) As a result, "Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did." Genesis 39:3
After being arrested, Joseph could have just given up. Thrown in the towel, convinced that the world was out to get him, that he couldn't win for losing. Do you ever feel this way sometimes? When it just seems that nothing goes your way and everyone has it in for you? I would be less than truthful if I claimed to never feel that way. I think we all experience this from time to time. I have especially experienced this in tough situations God brought me through this year. I guess that's why God brought me to Joseph's story today.
As I prayed over and studied this scripture, God impressed upon me to look at Joseph's response. Instead of giving into hopelessness, he leaned on God. He continued to do his best at everything that was given to him, no matter how big or small the task was. And once again, though imprisoned with no hope of ever being released, "...The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed." Genesis 39:23 (NLT)
Like Joseph, are you facing a hopeless situation? Are you struggling in an area of your life in which nothing seems to go your way? Has someone wronged you? Is there something that has happened at home, work, or school that you don't think you can overcome? Has your reputation or integrity been called into question? Have you been falsely accused or betrayed?
If so, we can respond as Joseph did. Lean on Christ. Pray and seek his help. Be faithful and obedient. Do your best at every task no matter how big or how small, whether it's appreciated or not. Do so WITHOUT COMPLAINT. Trust God to turn your situation around. God will see your efforts, hear your prayers, and He can reverse overwhelming circumstances to your favor. RELY on HIM. And if He doesn't change the circumstances, He will bring you through it. God can use our circumstances, hardships, and trials to spiritually transform our character to be more Christlike. And what's more...through YOU others can see God's great power working in your circumstances. Seeing your faith in action and God's work, others may come to know Jesus Christ as Savior.
Just one last word of encouragement, turn your circumstances over to God. Trust Him to take care of you according to His plan. He is faithful and just.
"Give your burdens to the Lord,and he will take care of you.He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:21-23
I pray for God's peace upon you today, in whatever circumstances you are in.
In His Love, Cathy
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