“And the Lord was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man. . .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.”
Genesis 39:2a, 5
When we remember this, we need not wonder if the Lord will bless wherever we are or whatever we’re going through.
“And the Lord was with Joseph.”
Of all the truths we encounter in God’s Word, none is more important or powerful than this one. In reality, it’s simply a restatement of the description given to Enoch and Noah, where it says “And _______ walked with God” (Gen. 5:22, 24; 6:9). It’s also a beautiful picture of what it means to “abide in Christ” (Jn. 15:1-7), “walk in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and Jesus’ promise in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:20).
So often we forget this and end up feeling like Elijah under the juniper tree: “I’m the only one left who’s truly serving the Lord” (I Kings 19:9, 14). But, in the midst of such forlorn pining the Lord comes to us and says “You’re not the only one left; there are still many others who are on the firing line. Stay focused and faithful!” (I Kings 19:18).
Now, Joseph had every reason to be down-in-the-mouth and ready to quit. His own brothers had just sold him to some traveling strangers who passed by their camp (Gen. 37:25-36). And, here he was—a descendant of Noah, Abraham and Jacob-Israel—serving as a slave to the polytheistic Egyptians.
They looked different. They talked different. They dressed different.
Yet, he was their slave. . .forced to wait on them hand-and-foot. . .making sure their food was on the table when they were ready to eat. . .turning down their covers at night when they were ready to go to bed. . .washing the dishes and taking out the trash, etc.
What kind of life was that for someone who was a “child of Abraham”?
Not much—if you look at such through natural eyes.
However, Joseph knew the same omniscient God Who allowed such to happen would also “be with Him” even there in Egypt. So, he committed himself to faithfully serve Him there just as he would if he were still back home. In the process “the Lord prospered him,” causing him to “find grace in Potiphar’s sight” (v.4). And, through him the Lord also “blessed the Egyptian for Joseph’s sake.” Glory!!
Dear Pilgrim, when we walk with the Lord, we will always be a “conduit” of His blessings, not a “reservoir.” His Life, Light and Love will flow through us—yea, overflow from within us—blessing others in the process. And, in the process even unbelievers around us will notice the difference, be drawn to the One within us and entrust us with greater responsibility, for they know we are trustworthy (Gen. 39:21-23; 41:25, 32-33, 37-39). May such be the case with us today as others realize “The Secret of True Success” is knowing Jesus and “abiding in Him.”
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 25, 2009
