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Excellent Work is Resilient
Early in Joseph’s life, his brothers hated him and wanted to kill him. They sold him into slavery and convinced their dad that Joseph was dead. Now, they come to Joseph in need of food. Joseph could finally get his revenge, if he wanted it. But instead Joseph bounced back to a loving relationship with his brothers. This is what he did his entire professional career. Joseph always worked with great resiliency when things didn’t go his way. He didn’t get discouraged or give up. He consistently worked with excellence, whether it was in a prison or palace. He never swayed from serving God though his work.
How could he work with such resiliency? He knew that, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). In order to do excellent work that is energized with God’s favor, we need to have the same perspective. Joseph knew that whatever famine or person came to harm him, God would use the situation to bring about something good.
Paul gives us the same perspective in Romans. Not all things that happen to us are good. Some of the things that we do aren’t good. They can be quite bad, in fact. But God is so committed to us that he can take any circumstance and use it for our good. This perspective gives us the power to serve God in our work, no matter what is happening. No matter the motive of your boss, no matter what is happening in the market, God will bring good from it. Then, while others are stuck in fear and scarcity, you can be resilient. You will be able to bounce back … and help others bounce back too.
Prayer
Father, I thank you that you use all things I do and that are done to me for good. Thank you for the hope and certainty of your provision. I know now that, no matter the circumstance, my work can be filled with your favor and bring good. Help me to believe this truth more deeply every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further Exploration
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Scripture
About this Plan
Excellence. We all want it. We want to be viewed as capable. We want to be recognized for our work. But what does excellence really take? Joseph’s story shows us how to work with God as the source of excellence, in both good times and bad.
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