Daily PresenceSample

One of the worst jobs I ever had in my life was working at a local Petsmart in college. I was thrown into the fire working with live animals-hamsters, snakes, birds, lizards, etc. I’ll never forget the perilous job of cleaning the hamster cages and the numerous times my hands were nearly chewed off while trying to move those evil little creatures to clean their cage. If you didn’t know-hamsters bite and bite hard!

What made this job even more challenging was not just the animals, it was the manager that ran the store. He was a miserable person who never had anything positive to say about anything or anyone. He was abrasive, arrogant, and a micromanager of the people that worked for him-myself included.

I only lasted about 3 months on the job. It was and still is the shortest stint at a job that I’ve ever had. Upon giving my 2 weeks notice to the manager in person I’ll never forget his reaction. He said that I would regret this decision and that it would have dire consequences for my further outlook as a college student and any jobs I would hold in the future. His vision for what my life would become and mine were two very different things.

Needless to say things have turned out just fine in spite of that job and the experience with the manager. I graduated from college, earned my master degree, and have a very good job that gives me purpose in my life every day.

In Genesis chapter 39-41 Joseph experiences challenges that would have led any of us to believe that we were doomed. Joseph literally saw all of his privilege and favor wiped away overnight and found himself imprisoned instead of in charge. Chapter 39:21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” It wasn’t long that Joseph was able to regain favor and be put in a position for even greater power and influence.

As Christians we must trust that in even the worst of circumstances God will make a way for us to overcome. We are not bound by our current circumstances or the opinions of others. Instead we are children of God, set apart to accomplish great things for his glory.