When people vehemently oppose and do everything to put us down, emotionally we are drained. If those who do that to us have once been our close associates, colleagues, family members or friends, it could really be very painful. But what we need to remember is that, our future is determined not by what they do against us or fail to do but by what God wants to do with our lives. Our thought for our reflection this morning is, "Our God does everything to rebuild our lives even when others try to write us off"
"The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favour in his eyes and became his attendant (Genesis 39: 2-4a).
Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave and even succeeded in deceiving their father Jacob by lying that Joseph was killed by a ferocious animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Though Joseph's own brothers tried to put an end to his life, God had his own plans to build him for His glory:
1. The Lord helped Joseph to prosper and succeed.
Three times we find the statement "The Lord was with Joseph in Genesis ( Genesis 39: 2,3 and 21). Thus it was God' s presence that helped Joseph to be successful and prosperous. Is it not true that no one can stop us from being successful if our God is with us?
2. The Lord gave Joseph favour in the eyes of his master.
Joseph who was never in the good books of his brothers, always enjoyed God's special favours. That was the reason why Joseph found favour in the eyes of his Egyptian master, who promoted him from the position of slave to a trustworthy attendant, in charge of his household. Do we believe the fact that promotions that come God, can never be stopped by any human being?
Did not the Psalmist say "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another" (Psalms 75:6-7).
Let's pray: "Dear Lord, I am encouraged and comforted to know that even when others write me off, you still have your plans to build my life. Thank you so much for helping me to succeed in everything I do. Thanks for the unusual favours I receive from those above me and those who work with me. Let others see throughout this day that you are with me!
In Jesus' name,... Amen!