Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” with the point being that we should live with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
This is the main scripture we will be looking at this year:
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Additional scriptures for today:
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Ecc 3:1 ERV)
There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time.
(Gen 41:41-46 ERV)
41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I now make you governor over all of Egypt.”
42 Then Pharaoh gave his special ring to Joseph. The royal seal was on this ring. Pharaoh also gave Joseph a fine linen robe and put a gold chain around his neck.
43 Then he told Joseph to ride in his second chariot. Pharaoh’s officials said, “Let him be the governor over the whole land of Egypt!”
44 Then Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, the king over everyone in Egypt, but no one else in Egypt can lift a hand or move a foot unless you say he can.”
45 Then Pharaoh gave Joseph another name, Zaphenath Paneah. He also gave Joseph a wife named Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of On. So Joseph became the governor over the whole country of Egypt.
46 Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving the king of Egypt. He traveled throughout the country of Egypt.
So, what does this mean for you today? I will discuss a few things under the theme that while it may take a long time and it may be painful along the way, God will make it worth it in the end.
1. The Look:
— Joseph’s new attire (made out of fine linen) and the chain Pharaoh placed around his neck symbolized his elevated status and presented him as an official representative of the king’s throne.
— Since Joseph was going to be the #2 man in the land, he would have to interface with royal leaders and other national leaders. Pharaoh wanted Joseph to have the credibility to address Egyptians and others who would otherwise not recognize his authority.
— His outward transformation mirrored the internal preparation God had been working in him for years.
— Presenting ourselves well enables others to receive the wisdom and insight we offer through God.
— God often uses an outward transformation to reflect the change He has already worked on within us.
How This Applies to You:
— Take care in how you present yourself to others, ensuring that your outward appearance reflects the excellence of God’s kingdom.
— Know that the way you dress, speak, and conduct yourself can impact your influence and ability to connect with others.
— The way you come across externally should reflect what God has done and is doing in your life internally.
— Solomon said, “The poor man’s wisdom is despised, And his words are not heard” (Ecc 9:16). This means that if people look at you and immediately think you are poor or unsuccessful, you may the answer they are looking for, but they won’t listen to you, because they dismissed your opinion based on your outward appearance.
— While this is not right, you must remember that many times, we are dealing with non-spiritual people.
*** I know you have been waiting a long time for what you are believing God for, but when God finally does it, you will not look like what you have been through!
2. The License:
— Pharaoh gave Joseph a signet ring. This ring gave Joseph the legal authority to act on behalf of the throne and exercise the king’s power.
— The ring signified Pharaoh’s trust in Joseph and provided him access to all levels of governance.
— It equipped him to carry out the divine wisdom he received and implement God’s plan for Egypt’s future.
— This authority meant no one in Egypt could act without Joseph’s approval, highlighting the extent of his power.
— Even those who once had authority over Joseph, such as Potiphar, were now subject to his commands.
How This Applies to You:
— Understand the authority that God has given you through the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Both enable you to fulfill His calling on your life.
— Recognize that your past does not disqualify you from the power and authority God has placed within you.
— Operate in your God-given authority with humility, understanding that it is a gift to be used for His glory.
— Once you are Born-Again, you are not a slave, you are not a servant, you are a SON (or daughter) of the Most-High God, and He has given you divine authority to execute His will on this planet.
*** When your breakthrough comes, you will operate with a level of authority and power, and God will lead you in using it wisely.
3. The Leverage:
— Joseph’s appointment as second in command granted him unparalleled influence, second only to Pharaoh.
— His position provided the leverage to implement sweeping changes and national policies that would sustain Egypt through the famine.
— This elevation granted Joseph the leverage to positively impact the lives of millions, including his own family.
— It allowed him to extend grace and compassion to those who wronged him, showing that God can turn trials into triumphs.
— Joseph’s humility allowed him to use his leverage wisely, understanding that God placed him there for a higher purpose.
How This Applies to You:
— Use the influence God has given you to make a positive impact on those around you, regardless of your position.
— Remember that your purpose is higher than any title or position, so leverage your God-given opportunities to fulfill God’s plan.
— Extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that you can use your position and power to enact revenge, but if you are led by God’s Spirit, in most cases, He will lead you to become a conduit of God’s love and grace.
*** You may have been working hard and waiting on your breakthrough for years, but just know that GREATER IS COMING, and when it does, God will want you to use the influence and leverage His gives you for His glory, not for earthly desires.
4. The Legacy:
— Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian wife, solidifying his legacy and acceptance within Egyptian society.
— The union bridged the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures, ensuring Joseph’s influence extended to future generations in Egypt.
— This legacy transcended the famine, showing that God’s promises extend beyond immediate provision to long-term impact.
— Joseph’s children carried his legacy of faith and leadership, serving as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.
— The name Zaphenath Paneah became synonymous with God’s saving power and wisdom, securing Joseph’s legacy in Egyptian history.
How This Applies to You:
— Embrace the legacy God has called you to establish, knowing that it will have a lasting impact on future generations.
— Of all the legacies God wants you to establish, the most important is a legacy of faith! Inspire others to trust in God’s promises and live according to His Word.
— Seek to leave behind a legacy that reflects God’s love and truth, guiding others to a deeper relationship with Him.
*** When God finally does it for you, He will ensure that His blessing does not die with you!
5. The Lasting Power:
— Joseph maintained faith and patience throughout his 13-year journey from the pit to the palace.
— Despite setbacks, his unwavering faith equipped him to endure until God’s promises were fulfilled.
— He held on to the vision God gave him, even when circumstances seemed contrary to the promise.
— Joseph’s lasting power is a testament to the type of faith, patience, and perseverance we can live with by God’s grace.
How This Applies to You:
— Remain steadfast in faith and patience, trusting that God’s promises will come to pass in His perfect timing.
— Allow God to shape and mold you through life’s challenges, knowing that He is preparing you for something greater.
— Trust that God has given you the lasting power to endure and overcome, no matter what obstacles you face.
*** You will hold on LONG ENOUGH for God to do it, and when He does, He will make it all WORTH IT IN THE END!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I trust in Your plan and believe You will bring it to pass at just the right time!
When You manifest what You promised, I will walk in my Blessing, and I will not look like what I have been through.
I embrace the authority You have provided, knowing that I am deputized, authorized, and empowered to fulfill Your calling.
You elevate me and I leverage the position You have placed me in to impact those around me for Your glory.
I declare that my legacy will reflect Your faithfulness, extending Your love and truth to future generations.
I hold on to the lasting power You have given me by Your grace, empowering me to endure and overcome through both trials and triumphs.
You have called and equipped me for such a time as this!
I will not allow setbacks or delays to deter me from believing in Your perfect plan.
There are some things I have been waiting for, and when they come to pass, You will make it worth my wait!
While I wait, I make the most of my NOW!
I declare that I am healed, healthy, blessed, and prosperous in every area of my life!
GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
