This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. Yesterday’s message was entitled, “God is Always Working For Your Good.” Today’s message flows in that same vein. The Bible says:
The Lord was with Joseph and continued to show his kindness to him, so the commander of the prison guards began to like Joseph. The commander of the guards put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph was their leader, but he still did the same work they did. The commander of the guards trusted Joseph with everything that was in the prison. This happened because the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord helped Joseph be successful in everything he did. (Gen 39:21-23 ERV).
So what does this mean to you today? A few quick thoughts as we close out the week:
1. Joseph lost his mother as a young age, she died giving birth to his little brother Benjamin. This was a tragic event, but God gave Joseph favor with his father. Having lost his mother, his relationship with his father was extra special. God blessed Joseph to make the most of his time at home. God will do the same for you. Tragic events are painful, but God can bless you to make the most of what you have left.
2. When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold as a slave, his father was told that Joseph was killed in the wild and Joseph was not sure if he would ever see his father or little brother (whom he loved) again. When you think of the fact that Joseph was only a teenager when this happened you can easily see how his life could have spiraled out of control. But God’s grace caused Joseph to be too busy walking in favor and blessing in Potiphar’s house to dwell on the pain of his past. God’s purpose and favor have a way of keeping you moving forward, so you don’t get stuck in the pain of the past.
3. After Joseph was doing extremely well in Potiphar’s home, Mrs. Potiphar repeatedly attempted to seduce him. When Joseph refused her advances, she falsely accused him of rape. Joseph wound up in prison, not just any prison, but the prison reserved for violations against the king. This was a strategic place to be and a key part of Joseph’s future. God quickly gave Joseph favor with the warden and just like he was running Potiphar’s home, Joseph began to run the entire prison. So while things may not always turn out the way you wanted them to, just remember that God can take something that was meant for your evil and turn it around for your good!
4. Joseph had to leave his father’s home in order to develop to the point where he could run a home. Once Joseph was comfortable running a home, he had to leave Potiphar’s home in order to develop to the point where he could run a royal facility. The experience he gained in the royal prison would serve him well later on in life, when he would get the opportunity to run the entire country. My point is this: stop looking at the negative aspects of life. If you look hard enough, or if you look at your situation through the lens of faith, you can find God. You cannot grow without changing and if you are not willing (in this case Joseph was not able) to make the change on your own, God has a way of SHIFTING you to your next level. It may be painful, but vision gives pain a purpose.
5. We serve a God who specializes in turning tragedies into triumphs. Just like God can take a coward and make him a champion, a weakling and make him a warrior, a prisoner and make him a Prime Minister, God can take your greatest tragedy and make it your biggest triumph. The key is keeping the emphasis on God, His power, His strength and His grace. When you think about God and You rely on Him, then no situation is too bad, no problem is too big and no opposition is too strong, because there is NOTHING God cannot do!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my purpose. The more I learn about each, the more peace I have in life. Understanding Your purpose for my life frees me from having to come up with one on my own. I cannot decide my purpose, nor can I develop it, because You decided and developed it before the world began. All I can do is discover it. As You reveal it to me, it becomes the driving factor in my life. The more I understand Your grace, the more I am able to release the pressure I used to carry around. I had pressure to succeed, to perform, to advance, to WIN in life. But I have released that pressure over to You. I now simply embrace Your grace. I put the spotlight of my life squarely on You, Your power, You plans and Your grace. There is nothing You cannot do. There is no situation You cannot handle. There is no opposition You cannot destroy. There is no attack You cannot thwart. As I put my focus on You, I am able to see You turn my tragedies into triumphs, my pain into power, my strain into my story and my mess into my message. Living by faith that accesses Your grace is much different than how I used to live. It has changed my perspective of my future. It has changed the way I face everyday situations. It has changed the way I deal with people. Your grace has changed my life, and for that I shall forever be thankful! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
