We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Phil Woody.
Bible Reading:
Genesis 41:39-42
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.
Word:
Perhaps no other character in the Bible is more recognized for perseverance than Joseph. He is the prime example of enduring deep struggles. But even more, his story is the centerpiece for calling discovery. Why? Because struggle and the discovery your calling, are linked. They are more than linked. The path of destiny (fulfilling your God-given purpose) is revealed through the doorway of struggle.
Joseph was betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers. He was then falsely accused of rape by his new masters wife. This landed him in prison for years; but God was with him. It was actually in these horrible circumstances that Joseph discovered a gift for creating wealth for others. It was these circumstances that didn’t allow him to use that gift for creating wealth for himself.
More then gifting, however, it was these hard circumstances that were the perfect resource of heaven for character development. Joseph entered slavery an arrogant and bratty younger brother. But he exited his prison a man loyal, gifted, and full of faith in God. Hard circumstances in the hands of a loving God are developing destiny in us so we can be released into the destiny God has for us. If struggle and destiny are linked, so is sacred trust.
Joseph exited prison trusted by God. With the character and favor of the Lord upon our lives, we are now positioned perfectly to be trusted with the Kingdom of God and His purposes. Joseph went in a bratty and arrogant boy, but came out ruler of all Egypt, only second to the Pharaoh. He was God’s instrument to not only save his family, but preserve the line of the Israelites, the bloodline of Jesus.
What hard circumstances are you living in right now that just might be the resource of heaven for your destiny? Remember that destiny is birthed in us before it is birthed out of us.
Prayer:
Jesus, I know that my struggle sin your hands are your means of developing the man or woman you have deemed me to be before the creation of time. Today I surrender myself to you knowing you love me and are working your love in my life for the purpose I was born for. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Write down the prison circumstances you feel your life in today. Now surrender them to Jesus. Instead of trying to get out of the prison, knowing Jesus holds the keys, ask Him what beautiful thing he is using this prison to create in your life. Now, stop resisting, and join him in that work.
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