In chapters 37-50 of the first book of the Bible, Genesis, we read the life story of Joseph. Joseph is a great example of someone who “rises above his apparent circumstances. First, sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph stayed focused on the Lord – and he prospered to be in charge of the household of a prominent official, comparable to a governor of one of our states.
Then Joseph is wrongly accused of attempted rape. Accused by the wife Joseph’s employer. Accused by a woman who was trying to seduce Joseph. Joseph’s employer has Josephhas Joseph imprisoned.
Joseph rises to be placed in charge of everyone in this prison. Scripture says the prison officials did not worry with anything about this prison because Joseph was in charge. Later, Joseph is released to become the King’s (of this foreign land) right hand man, second in command of the nation of Egypt.
Lets look at three things to learn from Joseph to Rise Above Our Apparent Circumstances.
1, Remain True to Biblical Principles – Joseph’s faith did not quiver. He remained true to his faith in God and his biblical understanding. Joseph never dwelt on the negative of his situation. Instead, he searched for God in the midst. Wherever Joseph was, no matter what the situation he found himself in, Joseph gave his very best.
2, Use What God has Given You – It is easier to take the “woe is me” route as opposed to pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and rising above the apparent circumstances, isn’t it? Joseph could’ve taken the attitude of, “I’m in prison. This unbearable miry muck. There is nothing I can do for God here.”
Joseph did not wait for the day God would use him after he got out of prison. He chose to use what God had given him in the situation he was in. He made a difference and God saw to it that he was elevated above the other prisoners.
3, Remain Confident in God – I believe Joseph was content knowing God was going to take care of him, in or out of prison. He dreamed of being second in command in this oppressive foreign land. Yet, one day he would wear the king’s signet ring. Joseph was a man of strong conviction. A conviction of carrying on through even adverse circumstances.
You’ve not been sold into slavery or placed in prison for your beliefs. The mire and muck of whatever situation you are going through, you can live as Joseph lived (each one of us can) and rise above those apparent circumstances.
Joseph was only one man. A teenager sold into slavery, later wrongfully imprisoned. Yet God used him to save and preserve not only one nation, but many. You cannot possibly know the great and mighty things God wants to do through your life.
Do you have the mind and attitude of Joseph? To do your very best for God in every situation?
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.