“The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man…” (Genesis 39:2)
Joseph’s story in the Bible is one of the classic examples of how God can lift His children who trust in Him. In Genesis 39, it is mentioned twice about Joseph that he was successful (or prosperous). The situations and surroundings are not the best in place that we would want to be.
Slave at Potiphar’s House: Joseph was taken down to Egypt and ended up being a slave in an Egyptian officer’s (Potiphar) home. He was a foreigner there and his surroundings would have looked hostile. Circumstances were not favorable for him. But that didn’t stop Joseph in serving his master faithfully and get promoted. He grew up to become the Supervisor of Potiphar’s house. He was successful because the Lord was with him and he faithfully served his earthly master!
Supervisor to Prisoner: This doesn’t look like a promotion but a demotion! From an officer in his Egyptian master’s house to the prison, that too for a crime he did not commit. But Joseph didn’t complain about his condition but continued to serve faithfully even in the prison. The Lord’s presence continued to be with him in the prison. Joseph never questioned the harsh experiences that was happening in his life despite God’s presence with him. Between Potiphar’s house and becoming the Prime Minister of Egypt, Joseph had to go through the prison. The prison experience was a step in God’s plan to take Joseph to the next level!
“Between Potiphar’s place and Pharaoh’s palace, the prison was a step in God’s plan to promote Joseph to the next level!”
Joseph didn’t have a pleasant journey from being a dreamer to a dream achiever. But few things stand out in his journey as a lesson for us too.
- Joseph carried God’s presence wherever he went – He never did anything that took away God’s presence from his life. This is most important.
- He served faithfully, be it as a slave or a prisoner while he waited for his dream to be fulfilled – These were extremely difficult situations.
- When Joseph was promoted at Potiphar’s house, the Lord blessed Potiphar and his household for Joseph’s sake – When we experience material blessings from our employers, may the Lord bless them as well!
- Joseph safeguarded himself against every temptation that came his way. He never heeded though the enemy pursued him day by day – Never heed to any temptation or trick that comes your way. The cost of fall is heavy!