From Slavery To Significance

 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” - Genesis 50:20

For several weeks now, I've been writing about difference makers. We are studying about those who were used of God to make a powerful impact for the glory of God. We've already studied the lives of Enoch and Abraham. Today we are concentrating on the life of Joseph.

A lot of people live drab, uneventful lives. That can't be said of Joseph. Joseph was the Old Testament great-grandson of the patriarch, Abraham. He had a great family heritage. However, his life became a series of challenging events that Joseph had little or no control over.

Some think that a man is the victim of his circumstances. Joseph contradicts that belief. In fact, Joseph shows us that circumstances merely reveal the character of a man.

When his brothers carelessly sold Joseph as a slave, Joseph's life went on an incredible journey that only God could orchestrate. Yet every time something positive appeared to happen to Joseph, unexpected events seemed crush it all. He rose to prominence in Potiphar's house --- then was falsely accused of attempted rape and wrongly imprisoned. There in prison, he interpreted dreams for the chief butler and baker. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope for Joseph when the chief butler was restored to his position. Joseph had asked the chief butler to speak on his behalf, hoping that this would get him released. Instead, the chief butler forgot him. Only after a long delay and the occurrence of Pharaoh's dreams would the chief butler remember Joseph. Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and the subsequent advice he gave, brought Joseph to the precise place he needed to be … at the right time.

God used Joseph to make a difference in Egypt. But Joseph was also used to save his own family and the Jewish heritage. Joseph turned out to be one of the greatest difference makers of the Old Testament. Later, after his father's death, Joseph told his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Rather than retaliating against his brothers, he lovingly showed mercy. The years of loneliness and discouragement were used of God to prepare Joseph for leadership. He went from slavery to significance.

There are four things that made Joseph so special.

1. FAITH

First of all, Joseph was a man of faith. Like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Joseph was recognized in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Fame of Faith. It would have been easy to get depressed and give up after all the adversity Joseph endured. Yet his faith kept him going.

2. FIDELITY

Secondly, Joseph was a man of integrity. He had the opportunity to have an affair with Potiphar's wife, but refused. I don't think Potiphar's wife was unattractive. A person of influence and wealth, like Potiphar, would probably have a beautiful wife. In spite of the temptation, Joseph refused to compromise.

3. FORTITUDE

As I wrote before, Joseph persevered in spite of adversity. This character trait is uncommon in our day. Americans tend to be very emotional and swayed easily by events around them. Joseph was steadfast in the storm. Are we?

4. FAITHFULNESS

Joseph seemed to make the best out of every situation he was in. When he worked for Potiphar, his faithfulness brought him advancement. Even when he was imprisoned, Joseph gained the respect of the jail keeper because of his conduct. In this fickle society, we need more faithful men and women.

God used Joseph to make an enormous difference. The journey of his life was planned and fashioned by the Lord. This journey had plenty of deep valleys and dark times. But when it was over, it was obvious that God had brought him to the right place, at the right time. The rest is history.

Joseph's journey to significance required him to spend years in prison. Only God could take him from the prison to the palace. When we read the story of Joseph, we must admit that God was in control.

God is in control. Your life may not involve slavery or a prison, but God has brought you through many experiences. He has uniquely positioned you among family, friends and acquaintances so that He may work through you to impact them.

Yes, we're tempted to brag on Joseph for all he did, but we are really giving credit to the wrong One. God is to be praised for all that happened in and through Joseph's life.

The same is true for us.