Learning from OT Greats: Joseph - From the Pit to the PalaceSample

Day 6: Joseph thrives in Egypt 

Thoughts on the Passage

Joseph thrived in Egypt.

 In the land of his bondage, Joseph thrived. That is a concept that many must remember as they struggle with abuse, brokenness, lack of salary and other hardships. God does not leave us in bondage because He has forgotten us. Instead, He uses it as a door for us to thrive – if we can trust Him through the times of difficulty. It took Joseph about thirteen years to get there. That is a brutally long time to suffer. Most of us quit before that time of blessing comes. 

Also, we see how Joseph dealt with the transition from bondage to blessing. It is found in the names of his children – Manasseh and Ephraim. Manasseh means “making me forget” – God helped Joseph to move on from the past. Ephraim means “made fruitful” – God made Joseph fruitful in the land of his bondage. Joseph is the second most powerful man in Egypt and he could have found his family and showed them what happened. Instead, Joseph chooses to move on from his family and the trouble they caused him. God has not forgotten. God had a destiny for Joseph in his family. God will deal with Joseph’s choice to reject his family – and correct it. But that is later.

Finally, I love how Joseph stops counting the blessings. He could have tried to count the amazing blessings of the seven years, but they just stopped. There was too much. The time came for the blessings to be shared with needy people – and Joseph opened the vault of blessing to needy people. I wish people would remember this today. The vast blessing we receive is not for us – it is for needy people. 

Application to our Life

If you are struggling with a time of difficulty – pray for strength to hold on.

If you have blessings that need sharing with a hurting world – give it freely.

If you have moved from a calling because God has opened a door of opportunity – do not forget, God won’t either.

Time to Pray
Father, I have so many things that I get from this passage. So much to think about. I try and keep track of the blessings – God they are too big, and they are not really mine anyway. They are stored up to be released to hurting people when they need it. That is my heart’s desire today – live abundantly and live open handedly. Give me a Joseph heart today. Also I know how easy it is to forget a calling and destiny. Even to see it and Your hand moving me past it. That is not right. You never forget why You have given great blessings to us. Help me never forget either. In Jesus name, Amen.