by Kelly T. Dixon
Readings: Genesis 37, 39, 40, 41, 45:1-15
Did you know that Jesus promised us a life of abundance not a life without trials? With every trial that I have I ask myself, “How am I living my promised life of abundance through the trials in my life?” To help in the understanding of this question I must define what I think abundance means. Abundance doesn't mean a life full of earthly riches. Abundance means a life full of God's riches. Yes, earthly riches are a blessing from God, but His eternal riches are what make our life abundant.Over the last several years, I have learned the technique of “whistle while you work.” That has not always been the case in my life. In the past, I would complain my way through the day. Finally, it hit me one day that I was looking for attention through my complaining. Little statements like, “I'm always overloaded.” or “There is never a moment for just me.” or “It's one thing after another. At the end of each trial, I just wait for the next one to begin.” All were wearing on my endurance level and ultimately displaying my selfish desire to be known for my trials. Instead, I should have been striving for Christ to be glorified for getting me through the trials. When this lesson finally hit the surface, I found it necessary for me to learn what is really meant by “whistle while you work.” The only way I was going to endure the trials of life and show Christ's love to the world at the same time was by learning this technique.
Now typically when a statement is said about whistling while you work your mind naturally goes to your job. While this would certainly be beneficial on the job, I feel God blesses the efforts we make to overcome and not complain as we work through enduring trials of life as well. In Genesis, Joseph certainly displays the attributes of a person who was given one bad hand after the other, but there is no indication in Scripture that he complained. Instead, it is indicated he did his very best at what he was doing at the time.
After Joseph had endured the torture of his brothers, we see that he was enslaved to Potiphar, an Egyptian who was Pharoah's captain of the guard. Genesis 39:2-4 tells us, “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 favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.” At first glance we see that the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered. However, if we take a closer look we will see that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. Meaning, Joseph got busy. He didn't sit around complaining about his circumstances and grumble about being enslaved. He took action to do the best he could at the job he was given to do. This action is what the Lord honored and what brought success for Joseph.
Joseph's endurance during his trials was so great that each time I review his story I learn more and more about how I can work through my own trials. First, beyond his working to the best of his ability, he verbally acknowledged that God was where he obtained his own strength (see Genesis 40:8; 41:16). It would have been very easy for Joseph to take the credit, but he didn't. Next, even though his patience was shown throughout his life, I believe it was exemplified by the patience of waiting two years for the chief cupbearer to remember him (see Genesis 41). I use to think he had no choice but to wait because he was in prison. Then I realized that He was not an ordinary prisoner. Joseph had connections because he was looked upon favorably. I am sure there were ways for him to protest or ways that he could have “gotten a message” to the cupbearer. Yet, we see no indication in Scripture that he takes advantage of these connections. Finally and ultimately in the end we must not forget how Joseph showed forgiveness to His brothers and in doing so shared God's purpose for his life. If it wasn't for the fact that his brothers sold him into slavery, he wouldn't have been a slave. However, let's also realize that God allowed these trials in Joseph's life because He had a plan for his life and Joseph expressed this himself in Genesis 45:4-8.
How is your endurance of your trials? Are you, like Joseph, allowing the trials in your life to strengthen you for God's purpose? It is hard for us to see that God has a plan for our life when we are going through tough times, but you can rest in the promise that He does (Jeremiah 29:11). Our faith is strengthened when we endure them as Joseph did with diligence, with God's strength, without complaining, with patience and with God's purpose in mind. As Christians we are given the challenge to make a difference in the world for Christ. The difference we make depends upon how we endure our trials. Make your commitment today to endure like Joseph.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is hard for me to endure trials in my life because so many times I can't see Your purpose through the circumstances of the trial. Help me to endure by walking by faith, one step at a time, in Your strength. Amen.
Deepening The Walk Mini Bible Study: This faith series is being accompanied with mini Bible studies for further in depth study. When Ladies for Jesus offers these type studies we call them “Deepening The Walk.” It is our prayer that you use this extra material to assist you in deepening your walk with the Lord. Deepening The Walk Mini Bible Study page.
