Work and RestSýnishorn

What if I’m being exploited or my work is not valued?

Not all work is prestigious or glamorous. Some work is looked down upon, or hardly noticed by others. It’s tough if we work hard, but never get any credit — maybe we are even despised for the ‘inferior’ work we do! Or if for whatever reason, we don’t have a job that gives us status, we might be overlooked by people around us.

Joseph found himself in such a situation. He was sold by his own brothers, deported to a foreign country, and became a household slave. He worked hard, but was falsely accused by his master’s wife and ended up in prison. He appeared to be dismissed and forgotten. His hard work was not appreciated at all.

And yet, we read how “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love”. Many years later, when this despised slave had become ruler over all the land of Egypt, he even concluded: “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Apparently, his difficult circumstances did not mean that God had left him alone.

Others may not notice our efforts, but God does. He is with us and shows us his steadfast love, even when we are despised or exploited.