Get Ready to Move up

Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.

Get ready to move up ; But God does not promote that which has not been tested. That will be injurious to the individual. God knows what we are made of, but we do not know. Instead we naturally delude ourselves that we are ready when we are far from it. Joseph is showered with advantage and favors, and you could say for a Hebrew slave, he had arrived. Joseph could forget the higher purpose and embrace the immediate offering of a better life. Be careful of doctrines that tell you your best life is now. This is often a serious failure of perception so far from divine truth. God who dwells on high is always taking us higher. In most cases, we are far from where God wants to take us and even though comfortable … better than our peers in the dusty tents of Israel – but still nowhere near the position God has ordained.  Joseph is asked to take care of everything for Potiphar … this exposed Joseph to all the dark secrets of Potiphar.  It was very easy to divert some of the resources of Potiphar to enrich himself but not Joseph. Joseph could have betrayed an imperfect Potiphar but he did not. Different tests … divine assessments.

The initial tests may be passive in nature.  We are tempted in very quiet and favourable circumstances when things seem to be going well. These were the beginnings of tests, but more still to come.  There are different tests … and all must be passed.  May God help us to see our tests as tests and not fail Him. Joseph scores well only because God is with Him. Everything that Joseph did worked well because God did it for him. Even Potiphar could see the evidence that Joseph was different. Do you appreciate that the best evidence of God in your life is the testimony of the heathen and not your pretensions or confessions? Especially those close to you, like your spouse or relations and employers. Family situations can be tests.

The heathen watch how you will handle all the opportunities and especially later trials and they observe a difference even when you say nothing. They can see that you fear God in a different way.  They have never seen unconditional love and will marvel at how you forgive and forget. They can sense the difference between a gathering of friends and associates from that which God has called out Himself.  They recognise that there is a protection and guidance for you that cannot be explained by schemes.  They know if God is truly your advocate or if you possess an interpersonal Laban-like cunning . They know the difference because many Hebrew slaves and servants have worked in the house of Potiphar … they can see that Joseph is different. The presence of God in your life will cause a marked difference in all that pertains to you. So much so that onlookers cannot but admit the reality of a higher being that is with you.

Ask yourself today. What are the tests that are before me? Is God my advocate? How am I faring? Is God with me helping me or do I feel myself drifting up and down without an anchor or worse …  defending self in a subtle way.  Go back to God … He can point out when the separation occurred and what to do to get God back in your life. Begin with a repentance.

Joseph did well. The presence of God caused much prosperity and favor. Joseph was not spoilt by riches because He had inside him – the one for whom diamonds are like dust. The things that could not impress God could not cause him to gasp in awe. Use your reactions and passions to check what is in you and inspiring you. You will be surprised at your findings. Go back to God. Let Jesus dwell in you.  His peace awaits you. Get ready to move up. The heathen will be amazed at what God is able to do through you that are His.

Song. 

I’d rather have Jesus, than silver or gold. I’d rather be His than have riches untold

I’d rather have Jesus, than houses or lands. I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hands.

Words: Rhea F. Miller 

Prayer: O Lord, teach me and help me to excel in the tests ahead of me. Take me up. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa