“The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. …While Joseph was there in prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor.”
Genesis 39:2, 20-21
I’m not sure what prosperity would look like for one who is a slave or prisoner. I know freedom is taken and rewards are rare. Yet the story of Joseph reveals that even in these subservient positions, God’s favor can be experienced.
Reared in the house of the patriarch Jacob, Joseph had a divine revelation through dreams which gave him hope of future leadership. The family dynamic was not exactly peaceful. In fact, hatred seemed to reign, especially toward this younger brother, resulting in him being sold into slavery. At age 17, Joseph found himself in a foreign country where the God of the Hebrews was not known or worshiped. Later he was accused of inappropriate conduct and sent to an even lower level of slavery: prison.
The account of his life reveals that God’s hand of protection and favor prevail despite circumstances. The Lord gives the fortitude and wisdom necessary to rise above the painful conditions of life. As with Joseph, you are not alone. God is with you, using for good what others have meant for evil.
Reared in the house of the patriarch Jacob, Joseph had a divine revelation through dreams which gave him hope of future leadership. The family dynamic was not exactly peaceful. In fact, hatred seemed to reign, especially toward this younger brother, resulting in him being sold into slavery. At age 17, Joseph found himself in a foreign country where the God of the Hebrews was not known or worshiped. Later he was accused of inappropriate conduct and sent to an even lower level of slavery: prison.
The account of his life reveals that God’s hand of protection and favor prevail despite circumstances. The Lord gives the fortitude and wisdom necessary to rise above the painful conditions of life. As with Joseph, you are not alone. God is with you, using for good what others have meant for evil.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 39:1-23
Insight
God is not limited by our life situations. In fact, His love, His power, and His understanding have no limits (see Psalm 147).
Bible In A Year
- Nehemiah 7
- Psalm 34
- Mark 13
