Bible reading: Genesis 39 & 40
“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)
One of the greatest asset in the life of a believer is the presence of the Lord. The presence of the Lord makes the difference. Great men of faith have enjoyed all-round triumph by the consciousness and the importance of God’s presence around them. Moses told God, if you don’t go with me I can’t go anywhere! God responded, to Moses in Exodus: “I have made thee a god unto pharaoh,” that became his confidence in confronting pharaoh and God became his escort. David said “Lord your presence with me i can walk through a troop! i can do impossible things! if you just be with me. Paul said, ” Lord by you strengthening me from the inside i can do all things! That’s the power of the presence of the Lord.
Joseph was an embodiment of God’s presence. We all remember Joseph’s inspiring story and his victory over the worst of circumstances. Betrayed by his own brothers, and then later exalted by God to a position of honor and power.
In our text, we find Joseph, brought down to Egypt and sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar, who was a captain of the guard to Pharaoh. Eventually, Joseph is placed in charge of Potiphar’s house. He was made overseer over Potiphar’s house and all that he had he put into his hand.
One day, while Potiphar was away, his wife attempts to entice Joseph, ”he refused.” Because she was embarrassed by his rejection, she falsely accused him, causing him to be placed in prison by Potiphar. He was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph.
Listen, no matter what our trial, temptation or affliction is, we must always take courage in the fact that God is with us. Throughout Joseph’s time in trouble and affliction, including his time in prison, we never found Joseph complaining or accusing God of being unfair. Though he may not have understood why all these things were taking place, he knew something; that the presence of the Lord was with him. In the midst of all that Joseph went through, God was with Him. The goodness and mercy of God was speaking on his behalf.
Readers, God is with us! Joseph survived the ups and downs of his life, because of this fact: ” FOR GOD WAS WITH JOSEPH.” We too can survive in life resting in this fact of God’s continual company. God said, ” lo , I am with you always. Cheer up! God is with you!
PRAYER:
Father thank you for I know that you are ever present help in times of need.
Pastor Chido Iroham