“The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered…his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave Him success in everything he did….” Genesis 39:2, 3
His brothers plotted to kill him in rage and jealousy. The story could be on the news any day of the week, in any city in America
When I become angry it is usually because I feel my rights have been trampled on. I get irritated, thinking and saying things which hurt others in attempts to repay them for what hurt me.
The results—hurtful words, hateful looks, broken relationships and shattered lives. The newspapers and our discussions over lunch or at the water cooler are full of them.
Time and again in the book of Genesis, we read about the Lord prospering Joseph in everything he did, even though he was still in slavery. The Lord gave him such success even his master saw God was with him. The Lord showed him favor and kindness in prison. He became second in command to the most powerful ruler in the known world. What an attitude of trust and acceptance Joseph must have had. How graciously he must have submitted himself to the authorities over him. How accepting he must have been of the place he found himself in, understanding God’s concern was more about his character than his circumstances.
As a result of his acceptance and obedience, even in situations he did not deserve, he was blessed. He had such peace in his heart regarding God’s control of all things that he was able to forgive his brothers for the terrible injustice they had wrought upon him.
The story of Joseph convicts me that my attitude should always be submitted to the Lord so others can see Him reflected in me. Rebelling and grumbling hurt me and my witness and sometimes people I love.
Make the choice today to allow God to bless others through your attitude of submission and acceptance. You cannot control the actions of others, but you can control your reaction to them.
© By Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, September 30, 2011. All rights reserved. Do not use without permission of the author.
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