Success In His Presence

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison…The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him.  And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.” - Genesis 39:21, 23

“The Lord was with Joseph…” This is a key phrase in Joseph’s story. From the time he was a young boy, God planted a dream in Joseph’s heart. He showed Joseph that he was destined for greatness and that even his own father would one day bow down to him. No one else appreciated or understood these dreams, but God was working in Joseph’s life.

Years later, when Joseph found himself forsaken by his family and imprisoned in Egypt, he could have questioned those boyhood dreams. He could have shaken his fist at the God who gave him those dreams and allowed him to be mistreated and forgotten by everyone he loved. Perhaps Joseph did have those feelings, struggling to understand why things went so wrong. Thankfully, God is bigger than feelings.

God’s work in Joseph’s life, even amidst horrible circumstances, is clear in this passage.  God’s presence never left him.  When everyone else abandoned him, God remained his stronghold. His steadfast love held Joseph, refusing to let go or even to waver. Once again, those around Joseph took notice of God’s presence with him. And once again, God made him successful.

As followers of Christ, it is important that we answer this question: Is it enough that God is with us? Are we willing to live our lives from His eternal perspective, trusting Him even when circumstances don’t make sense? Will we allow His steadfast love to hold us, as it did Joseph in that jail when our dreams seem to be falling apart?

Circumstances can change on a dime, but our God never will. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When our hope and confidence are in Him, He will grant us success according to His will.

Dear Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me, especially when my circumstances are discouraging and overwhelming. Help me to remember that You are always with me.  Please lead me in Your will for my life. Make all that I do prosper for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.