Bible Reading: Genesis 38-40, Matthew 12:22-50
“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” Genesis 39:2 (KJV)
The story of Joseph is one that highlights the importance of teaching a child early the ways of God and also the need to purpose in your heart where you stand after the word of God comes to you. Joseph, evidently, has learned a lot about God from home even at a young age. His reply to Portiphars wife attests to this in Genesis 39:9 (KJV), “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’
Joseph was more conscious of a God he cannot see but believed in than his master, Portiphar, who he can see and respects. This is spirituality. Psalms 37:5-6 (KJV), “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. [5] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” No wonder the bible tells us in the in the memory verse that “the Lord was with Joseph.“
Jesus told His disciples that blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29). In the things of God faith is a must; it is believing in the invisible to achieve the impossible. To remain faithful to God and His word will lead to a lot of hardship, persecution and sufferings. All these are trials God allows us to go through so as to build us up character-wise for what He has in store for us. His plans are good and not of evil. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Joseph was even thrown into prison but God’s mercy kept him and favour accompanied him wherever he went. It pays to know God early, keep his word and be ready to face the outcome of whatever comes our way as a result of this belief. Remember Jesus’ disciples too were beaten and flogged for preaching in His name, yet, they rejoiced for suffering because of that name (Acts 5:40-41).
What have you gone though as a result of your believe in God? Remember, the persecution, trials and sufferings are just a test to take you to another level in and with God
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, may I not fail my test when my time comes.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu