“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” Genesis 39:21-23
It appears that Joseph had been content in Potiphar’s house. His master treated him well, he was busy, and well-respected by those he worked with. Until he refused to do what his master’s wife asked. No doubt he questioned God as to why this had happened. He had every reason to feel discouraged and unloved. But it seems he had made up his mind to trust God and to be content where God planted him.
Once again, we do not find him telling his sad story to all the others in the prison. Nor did he spend time planning how he would get revenge on his brothers if he ever got out of prison. Instead, he met each day with a cheerful attitude and a willingness to do whatever he was asked to do. The prison warden saw the potential he had and put him in charge of all the prisoners. Trusted with this position, he put his whole heart into his tasks and God blessed and prospered him. Even though he did not have the following scripture from Colossians to guide him, he certainly lived up to the message.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8
When the butler and the baker, who were also prisoners, dreamed strange dreams, they sought out Joseph and he was able to interpret their dreams for them. This is a great testimony to his faithfulness and the good influence he had over others.
How disappointed, Joseph must have felt when the butler forgot all about him when he was released. But it was not yet God’s perfect time, and so Joseph just kept on being faithful and trusting. The time he spent in prison was preparing him for great things.
Maybe you have had a dream or a vision of something God has for you. It seems you have been waiting a long time and nothing seems to be happening. Maybe you are in a situation where there seems to be no way out. Do not give up, keep being faithful every day. God has not forsaken you, but His timing is always perfect. He will fulfill His promises.
Prayer: Jesus, your Word tells us the requirement of stewards is to be found faithful. Just as Joseph went through years of testing to prepare him for what God had in store for him, help us to be faithful so that we can be good stewards for You.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
6 Comments
I so much appreciate your devotionals! They come at such a time when I need them the most! Personal concerns weigh me down to the point where I begin to think I am forgotten and disqualified by others around me! But, God does lift me up from time to time to tell me I am not forgotten; and in the end, everything will be alright after all!!
Thank you so much Allison for being a faithful reader. I am glad that these devotionals help you and I pray that you will realize you are special to the Lord, and He is always there. You just have to call on the name of Jesus and He will never fail you.
Today’s devotional as well as yesterday’s were very timely and encouraging to me. I felt like Jesus was speaking directly to me.
Thank you so much, Marie. I appreciate your reading the devotionals and am glad they are a blessing to you. My prayer as I write them is that they will speak to someone.
I needed this reminder today. Even though I don’t usually comment on these devotionals, I read them daily as they are a blessing to me. I appreciate this ministry tremendously! Whether you (or other writers) realize it or not, you’re making a difference in someone’s life — and I’m one of them. Mahalo for being sensitive in the Spirit, and allowing Him to use you in this way 🙂
I am so glad that this was a blessing to you. That is our prayer as we write, that it will make a difference in someone’s life. God bless you for your faithful reading.