Joseph was not the firstborn, so he was not born into his father’s house as a leader. But it is said of him that ‘he behaved himself wisely’. When Joseph went out to take care of the sheep with his brothers, he always returned the report of his brothers’ wrongdoing to his father.
This means Joseph was not afraid to stand for what is right, even if it meant standing alone. He was also unafraid to speak up against what was wrong, even if it meant being alienated from his brothers.
There are those who do what is right but have issues speaking up against evildoers. We cannot let our light shine just by our ‘works’; we must let our light shine by our ‘words’.
It is essential to speak up for good in a world where darkness is so loud and bold. Matching our words with action is more important, as Joseph did.
God must have seen Joseph’s heart and his integrity, so he opened his spiritual eyes. Joseph began to dream. Unfortunately, his brothers were not pleased with his dreams.
They tried to get rid of Joseph, but they didn’t know their plans were helping him along in his destiny.
Don’t be afraid when people hate or envy you for your skills, dreams or integrity. Anything they plan against you will always work for your good.
Like Joseph, refuse to be discouraged or stop doing good even when it seems you are being punished. Contrary to what the enemy wants us to think when we see some evil people supposedly thriving, good always wins.
Like Joseph, do not pass up any opportunity to serve and grow. Joseph served in Potiphar’s house, and he rose to the top. Sadly, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife, and even though he maintained his integrity, he was still sent to jail.
At this point, Joseph could have become bitter against God and given up on life because he had been betrayed multiple times by people he trusted or served. But instead, he chose to serve with integrity and gladness in prison.
His service in prison made room for Joseph to enter the palace. Every time he offered to serve, he developed the skills he needed to become a good prime minister. He was not just a good administrator; he also cultivated his spiritual gifts.
Joseph’s open heart of service and care brought him from being a dreamer to an interpreter of dreams. Like Joseph, we must learn to do more than we are told or expected. We must look beyond our situations and challenges to care for those around us.
Even if they cannot pay us back like the baker in Joseph’s story, who died shortly after, we will grow in our gifts every time we serve them.
No one uses you; you gain experience, build contacts, and wisdom along the way. As a person living with purpose and vision, even when you find yourself around unappreciative people, you must keep serving and offering your best. Walk in integrity even if it comes at a cost.
Like Joseph, God will take you out of a toxic situation; he will make a means of escape. It may look like a well in Joseph’s case, or even being sold into slavery, but it will work for your good.
No matter the challenges and curveballs, good things happen to good people. When we do good, we see good. Joseph was sold as an enslaved person, then became a prisoner in a foreign land, but he rose in the end and was compensated for all the years of pain and struggle.
If it is not great yet, your story is not over. The next chapter is still being written; keep serving, doing good, and walking in forgiveness. Don’t force or strive for the dreams God gives you; keep growing and doing your best where you are right now.
Good people may not finish last; they last for good. We never lose living for God. There is someone who needs your integrity, godly nature, and excellent skills. Like Joseph, do not be afraid to shine, to serve your gifts, and to rise to every opportunity that comes your way; the palace is meant for you!
