How can we recognize God's hand in our achievements, as seen in Genesis 39:3? Recognizing God’s Hand in Our Success “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did…” Joseph’s progress in Egypt wasn’t luck or merely talent; it was the visible evidence of God working through him. The same Lord still marks His people’s efforts today. Clues That Point to His Hand • Success that outpaces natural explanations • Consistent integrity in pressure-filled settings (Genesis 39:8-9) • Favor with supervisors, clients, or teammates that seems disproportionate to ordinary performance (Proverbs 3:3-4) • Inner peace and joy while working, the fruit of the Spirit rather than mere adrenaline (Galatians 5:22-23) • Doors opening in sequence, each preparing the way for the next stage of service (Revelation 3:8) • Others—often unbelievers—recognizing something distinct in us, just as Potiphar did with Joseph Guarding Against Self-Exaltation • Remember Deuteronomy 8:17-18: “You may say in your heart, ‘My power…,’ but it is He who gives you power to gain wealth.” • Treat accolades as mirrors reflecting glory upward, not sponges absorbing it. • Keep a short sin account; hidden sin robs God of credit and sets us up for a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Responding with Gratitude and Stewardship • Verbally acknowledge God’s role when complimented (Psalm 115:1). • Channel gains—promotions, profits, influence—into serving others (1 Peter 4:10). • Reinvest skill by mentoring younger believers, just as Joseph later guided his brothers and an entire nation. Practical Steps for Today 1. Begin projects in prayer, inviting the Lord to “establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17). 2. Keep a journal of specific ways God intervenes—timely insights, unlikely partnerships, financial provision. 3. Evaluate outcomes by both numbers and character: Did this success deepen Christ-likeness? 4. Celebrate milestones with worship before sharing them publicly (2 Samuel 6:21). 5. Regularly return firstfruits—time, tithes, talents—to Him who gave them (Malachi 3:10). Scriptures to Keep Before Us • 1 Corinthians 15:10: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain…” • James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” • Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Recognizing His hand turns achievements into testimonies, safeguarding us from pride and redirecting all honor to the One who prospers His servants. |
    |