Wisdom in Leadership

“Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33

As Joseph outlined the steps that Pharaoh should follow, Pharaoh realized that Joseph was the right man to head up the program. He not only had wisdom, but he already had a plan that would benefit the country. He put Joseph in charge of it all. He placed a ring on his finger, gave him royal robes to wear, and a chariot to ride in.

Often when people are given a position of honour or prestige, they let it go to their heads and they become proud. Joseph did not let his position change his attitude toward life and others. He went about his duties with a humble heart, treating those that worked for him with kindness. They worked together to gather the grain in the good years and store it for what was coming.

God blessed and prospered Joseph in these years. He married and had two children. I am sure that every day he thanked the Lord for delivering him from prison and for using him as a blessing to the country. No doubt he often thought of his family back home and prayed that the Lord would bless them and protect them.

Joseph found favour with the people, and when the good years ended and the famine began, people thronged to him for help. He distributed food to them and helped them find solutions to meet their needs.

From Joseph we learn the value of being faithful in whatever God asks us to do. He has a plan for each one of our lives. We may not always understand why things happen to us, but if we will just trust Him, eventually He will bring us to the place He desires us to be. If Joseph had not been obedient to Potiphar and later to the keeper of the prison, he would not have been ready for God to use him.

God has given each one of us gifts, talents, and abilities. As we use them in serving others, the Lord will open doors for our ministry. With a sincere desire to obey the Lord’s will, we faithfully follow Him each day. We need not worry about the future because we know He is working all things for our good.

Wherever the Lord has placed you today, just determine that you will put your whole heart into what you are doing and leave the future to Him.

“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” I Peter 5:5-6

Prayer Thank you Lord for the lessons we learn from the life of Joseph. Help us to follow his example, submit ourselves entirely to you, and let you have your way in our lives.

Devotion by Anne Johnston