What can we learn about success from "the LORD was with Joseph"? Success Begins with Presence “ ‘‘The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a prosperous man.’ ’’ (Genesis 39:2) • Joseph’s upward trajectory is first traced to who accompanied him, not to what he accomplished. • Prosperity follows Presence; the sequence is never reversed (Genesis 39:3, 23). • Scripture links true prosperity to walking closely with the LORD (Psalm 1:2-3; Joshua 1:8). Success Thrives in Every Setting • Slave quarters in Potiphar’s estate (Genesis 39:2-3), a prison cell (39:21-23), or Pharaoh’s palace (41:41-44)--the setting changed, the outcome did not. • External conditions cannot cancel divine favor; the LORD’s nearness turns the ordinary into fertile ground (Isaiah 43:2; Philippians 4:11-13). Success Is Character-Driven • Joseph’s integrity stayed intact when promotion made compromise easy (Genesis 39:8-9). • Character, sharpened by God’s presence, is the conduit through which blessing flows (Proverbs 10:9; 2 Chronicles 16:9). Success Blesses Others “ ‘‘The LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.’ ’’ (Genesis 39:5) • Potiphar, fellow prisoners, and eventually nations profited from one man’s faithful stewardship (Genesis 41:56-57). • Genuine success spills over; it is never hoarded (Proverbs 11:25; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11). Success Requires Stewardship, Not Striving • Joseph managed whatever was placed in his hand, big or small (Genesis 39:4, 22). • Faithful stewardship positions believers for larger assignments (Luke 16:10; Colossians 3:23-24). Success Awaits God’s Timing • Thirteen years separate the dream in Canaan (Genesis 37:5-7) from the promotion in Egypt (41:46). • Seasons of waiting refine vision and prepare for responsibility (Habakkuk 2:3; James 1:4). Success Ultimately Glorifies the LORD • Joseph’s summary: “ ‘‘God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.’ ’’ (Genesis 41:52) • The spotlight shifts from the recipient to the Giver (1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 5:16). Living It Out • Cultivate closeness with the LORD daily; His presence is success’s foundation. • Walk in integrity whether visibility is high or low. • Steward today’s tasks as preludes to tomorrow’s opportunities. • Trust His timing; delays are part of the design. • Aim for overflow: let others experience blessing through your faithfulness. |
    |