SCRIPTURE: Genesis 41:41-57
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Joseph’s life has been a roller-coaster. Now God’s favour is leading him to greater impact and blessing. The lesson here is not “trust God and He will make you prosper” but “trust God and He will fulfill His purpose for you”. We prefer the “prosper” message. We receive the blessings, and even thank God for them, but fail to see that they are received for a purpose, to bring blessing to the nations. This is, and always has been, God’s purpose for blessing.
Wherever we are, whether free or in prison, whether well fed or famished, whether a worker or a ruler, we need to surrender ourselves to God’s purpose, and seek to bless others. As we do, God will extend the impact of our lives, and nations will be blessed through our faithful service.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding me through Joseph that I need to serve You by serving others, no matter where I am. Help me not to grumble about what I am not, what I don’t have, or where I wish I was, help me to ben content whatever my circumstances, and serve You. Amen.
Joseph was in a foreign land, given a position of importance and influence. In all of his life he did not forget His Creator God. He named his children with meaningful names reminding himself of God’s presence in this land of plenty and also of the days past – his suffering.
The life of Joseph also reminds me of the passage in Ecc – whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we shall never have any time but the present. Serve God now. If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things we do today. Our strength lies in the Lord. I need that power each and every day. I need His help. And so before I start this day in His service I talk with my Father so that I am able to go forth in faith, and in His power.
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.