The Lord Was With Joseph

The Lord Was With Joseph

Reading: Genesis 39-41; Luke 16 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. (Genesis 39:2 NLT) Four times in Genesis 39 (Genesis 39:2, 3, 21, 23) the Bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in Potiphar’s house. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in all he did in the King’s prison.

Thirteen years passed from the time Joseph stood on the block at the slave auction until he stood before Pharaoh and became Prime Minister of Egypt. God didn’t keep Joseph from being sold into slavery. He didn’t stop Potiphar’s wife from tempting and betraying Joseph. He didn’t get Joseph out of the prison until he was thirty years old. God didn’t set a path of comfort and ease before Joseph. God didn’t protect Joseph from the pain of abuse, the wound of betrayal, or the frustration of delay. Instead, the Lord chose to be with Joseph, to give him favor, and to bless all that he did in these undesirable situations.

I know the truth contained in this story. I know that just as God was with Joseph, even in difficult circumstances, God is with me. I know it’s true, but I need to learn to live it in daily faith. It seems I’m always wanting the Lord to change the circumstances, and he is always wanting to be with me in the situation I’m in right now.

It is enough that the Lord is with me, and that by his great love, he will bless what I do as I serve with all my heart and mind and strength. Prayer: Father, Like Pharaoh’s personal assistant said in Genesis 41:9, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.” I thank you for your love and mercy. I thank you that you have given my life purpose. I thank you that you are with me. That you are with me is enough. Amen.