“Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” – Genesis 50:19
REFERENCE:
Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test a man’s character, give him power.” Joseph was a gifted man, loved by God, but underwent a long journey that tested his character. He was trained by trials and bettered by betrayal. Through his travails, he learned to live a life of purpose, discipline, godliness, character, and boundaries. He passed the test of character and eventually rose to the throne. Let us examine the character traits that made Joseph stand out and to also pass the test:
God Fearing: Joseph walked conscious of God in his dealings. He prospered in all he did, for God was with him (Genesis 39:2). His reverence for God made him manage Potiphar’s house with no accusation of theft; he rejected a sexual advance and refused to take revenge on his brothers.
Mission Minded: Right from his teenage years, Joseph had a sense of purpose; a clearly defined dream. His choices were guided by the knowledge of where he was heading and what he wanted. He was conscious of his destiny/calling and knew he couldn’t live just like any man.
Character in Adversity: Joseph went through a traumatic experience. He was enslaved, falsely accused, betrayed, imprisoned, and forgotten. He also lost his identity (his coat) and his family. He did not grow bitter, but excelled all-around, despite his pain. He developed discipline and endurance through his adversity. All these made him the right candidate for the throne.
Healthy Relationship with Women: Joseph was gifted and handsome. Most women like these virtues, making many young men swell-headed. Not so with Joseph. He had and respected his boundaries with the opposite sex, even when seduced by Mrs. Potiphar. He could have said, “She lured (or raped) me!” He waited till he married before sexual ‘intimacy.’ In marriage, he remained with one woman out of respect for her (and not to hurt her), and the fear of God.
Served with his Gifts/Power: Joseph used his gifts to serve people. He became the number two person in Egypt, serving his boss and the people with loyalty and prudence. He did not neglect his family and did not use his power to take revenge. He saw his life as the fruit of God’s grace.
Vacancies exist at the top, but God is looking for modern-day Joesphs. Can He find one in you?
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
Proverbs 22:29 (NIV) & Genesis 41:39-41.
PRAYER POINTS
+ Lord, make me a man that will make my parents, wife, and children proud and grateful.
+ Lord, help me live a life that draws others to Christ; make me a son You will be proud of.
+ Father, Anoint me. Uphold me. Help my weakness. I commit to a life of discipline and purity.
+ Restore my relationship with You. Make me Your Joseph. Trust me with power, possessions, and people. Help me to live a life dedicated to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Father, Anoint me. Uphold me. Help my weakness. I am a man full of them. Help me to be a son you will be proud of. Amen
The highlight for me in Joseph’s character trait is “mission minded”. It ties everything together. Hebrews 10:7 “ Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’
What is written about me?🤔🧐
Powerful thoughts, Aisha.
Joseph is a figure to emulate in the areas of his strength the bible have recorded about him.
Lord fashion me with this attributes of Joseph and even more. Amen.
Wale, stay with God and stay focused on your mission, and you will soon be sitting on a throne, entrusted with power, people and possessions.
Amen 🙏🏼
Man like Joseph 🤗
He knew God, heard God, obeyed God, lived for God and trusted God inspite of tough trials.
Make me the Joseph of this age Lord; someone you entrust with power, possessions and people 🙏🏼
Like Joseph I will choose to use the stones life throws at me to build stepping stones to a purposeful life instead of dwelling on the pains it has brought with it.
Preach!!!!