Joseph was only 17 when his jealous brothers sold him into slavery. At some point in his young life, he made his decision to live for Christ, and the Lord revealed to Joseph that He had great purpose for his life. During the days of his betrayal and injustices, Joseph kept his mind on the promises of God, and honored the Lord in all he did. As a slave to Potipher, and later as a prisoner, “The Lord was with Joseph, and made all that he did to prosper” (Genesis 39).
This is the promise of God to everyone who puts their faith in Christ… “Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Bible), and in His Torah (Instruction) he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water, which brings forth fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Joseph thrived, not by looking back on the injustices of his life, but by looking forward to what God had in store… “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are mature, have the same mindset…” (Philippians 3:13-15).
When we put our trust in Christ for salvation, the exchanges of the Cross are more than can be told. Our sin, for His righteousness. Our unworthy ambitions, for His eternal purposes. Our weakness, for the power of His Spirit. Our pride, for His glory. Our poverty, for His riches. Our own understanding, for His perfect Counsel. Our fears, for His assurances. Our hurts, for His greater good.
Whatever your trials are, He who saved us by His grace is able to keep us by His power. Keep your eyes on His promises, for the best is yet to come.
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