May 5

“The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” —GENESIS 39:23

When Joseph was a young man envisioning the life that lay ahead of him, I’m sure he didn’t anticipate spending his prime years as a prisoner in a foreign dungeon. He probably dreamed about better things, but circumstances had put him in a situation that was not of his choosing. You probably know the story. However, through a series of remarkable events, Joseph eventually became the prime minister of Egypt. But the story doesn’t end there. God works through Joseph to save his family from a famine in Canaan and reunites them all in Egypt.

We sometimes find ourselves in situations that we did not choose. You may not enjoy the work you are doing. Maybe your dreams have died and your life has become mundane, ineffective and there’s little hope of change. How do we respond in these circumstances? How did Joseph respond?

A phrase repeatedly used in Joseph’s story is: “The Lord was with Joseph.” God was doing something in Joseph’s life – and though we may not see it, God is doing something in our lives as well. Regardless of our situations, if we are a Christian, God lives in us. He has a plan for our lives, and in every situation we find ourselves, God is at work in them. It may be that in our present circumstances He is preparing us for what lies ahead; or we may be placed where we are for a specific task that has yet to unfold. God doesn’t tell us everything; therefore we don’t need to know. We walk by faith.

Paul says in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” That puts everything in a different perspective. Our security doesn’t lie in our circumstances or in the jobs we are doing, but in the Lord Jesus. Distressing situations, however long they may last, can also be a test of our faith. Do not lose heart, but rejoice in the life of Christ that indwells you and wait on Him. He knows what He’s doing.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I know You are always with me. Help me to be totally trusting of your direction for me, and not to lose heart in situations that trouble me. Allow me to rest in You and the plan You have for my life. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: How do I respond in distressing circumstances I find myself in?