The Thread: Part IISample

Spiritual Rags and Spiritual Riches

In a series of unlikely events, Joseph ascended from the obscurity of jail to the second-highest position of authority. Joseph's story is a rich testimony of God's goodness and power. He was abandoned in a jail cell for years, but God did not forget about Joseph or the purpose he had for him. In everything Joseph experienced, God was by his side. In the same way, God is with us in all the circumstances of our spiritual rags and riches.

Spiritual rags in our lives are situations challenging to face but still part of God's plan. In every difficult situation, Joseph drew closer to God and relied on God's strength instead of his own. The story of the Bible clearly describes God's loving character. Even when we suffer injustice, God is trustworthy to accomplish his loving plan, though it might be hidden from our sight. God desires to work through people who are willing to submit to him. The key to Joseph's submission was focusing on God in every situation. Joseph experienced spiritual riches when he was given the second-greatest authority in Egypt. His generosity and wisdom from God saved many people from famine and death.

Mistreated as he was, Joseph believed the things that men meant for evil, God would purpose for good. Joseph's story also foreshadows what Jesus did for us. Jesus went ahead of us to push back the spiritual famine. Neither Joseph nor Jesus looked successful at first. However, if we calculate success with a measuring stick of obedience, both were amazingly successful in accomplishing God's plan.

Question: Take a moment and think about the different spiritual rags and spiritual riches in your life. How are you responding to both kinds of situations? How should you respond?

Prayer: Talk to God about the tough and joyful situations you have experienced and ask him to redeem all of it in his time and for his glory. Furthermore, thank him for the opportunity to submit to his divine authority.