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- Genesis 39:2
There is no question that one of the main emphases of the account of Joseph is God's hand on Joseph’s life. In fact, the phrase "God was with Joseph" is repeated eight times in chapter 39 alone:
"the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man" (39:2)
"the Lord was with him" (39:3)
"the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand" (39:3)
"the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph" (39:5)
"the Lord's blessing was upon all that he owned" (39:5)
"the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him" (39:21)
"the Lord was with him" (39:23)
"whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper" (39:23).
The message is clear; even though Joseph was away from his homeland; even though his brothers had betrayed him; even though he was no longer a free man, the Lord was with him!
In Potiphar's house, and eventually, in prison and Pharaoh's court, God made Joseph a successful man.
God blessed Joseph, and like Joseph, God has blessed many of us. The question is, "Why?"
As you begin to learn more of Joseph’s story, you'll notice that all of his prosperity funnels into the hands of other people.
The fact that Joseph "became a successful man" did not make him personally wealthy.
God's blessing in the life of Joseph made Potiphar personally rich (39:5), and would eventually rescue Pharaoh's kingdom (chapter 41) while preserving Joseph's family through famine (chapter 42 and following).
God blessing Joseph with great success, position, and power was not about Joseph's health, wealth, and prosperity.
Contrary to what many teach today, your prosperity is not about you!
God blessed Joseph so that Joseph could be a conduit of blessing to others!
More so, God prospered Joseph so that he might have a testimony for the Lord; Joseph's success led to his influence, influencing Potiphar, the chief jailer, and eventually Pharaoh himself.
Joseph had an audience with Egypts’ elite, and he pointed them all back to God.
Theologian K. Strassner wrote, "Most of us are not exactly like Joseph—serving high up in the government or impacting a nation's finances. But in our spheres of influence, are we using the manifest blessings of God (be they influence, position, popularity, or money) to bless others and speak for God?"
Are you?
Faithfully,
Pastor Chris
Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on today's devotional!
Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”
When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.
