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God Uses Our Work For His Purposes
After many years of trials, Joseph’s dreams came to fruition. Not only did Pharaoh entrust the operations of all of Egypt to Joseph, his brothers came to him seeking food when the famine hit and they bowed down to their brother, although they didn’t know it was him right away. God intended all along to use the seven years of abundance and seven years of famine to lead His people to Egypt where they would take refuge. God used the circumstances to prepare Joseph to bring His plan about.
When Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers were fearful that he would finally take his revenge. But Joseph remained focused on God’s purposes and responded, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good […] the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph only got to see a small portion of how he fit into God’s bigger plan that we can see today. One day, Joseph will see just how many lives he contributed to saving.
James 1:2-3 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” When we are faithful through difficulties, we open the door for God to do amazing things through us. It’s important to trust that God can and will use our work to build character, strengthen us, and ultimately produce results we could never have achieved otherwise.
When we remain focused on Christ, we can have confidence that God is using our work in bigger ways than we can imagine. We may even see glimpses of how God is using our work in the bigger picture, as Joseph did. One day, all of us will get to see the part our faithfulness played in God’s plan.
Challenge yourself to allow God to refine you through difficult circumstances, and elevate the meaning of your work for His purpose and His glory.
Prayer
Father God, I know that you are always at work in and through my life. Help me to keep an eternal perspective on the work I do each day. Increase my faith. Give me wisdom in my work so that everything I do can be used for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For Further Exploration
Take a look at other workplace devotionals from Workmatters.
About this Plan
Most of us will spend about 50 percent of our adult life at work. We want to know our work has meaning – that our work matters. But stress, demands and adversity can cause us to see work as hard – something to get through. This reading plan will help you recognize the power you have to choose a positive meaning for your work that is rooted in faith.
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