Teaching for the Marketplace

Joseph Emerges from Prison - Alive and Thriving Qualified by Testing     By Linda Fields

Joseph encountered heart wrenching blows in his life. Any one of them would be enough to crush the spirit of a man. Yet Joseph remained engaged with the Lord and kept his heart equally unspoiled in times of humiliation and times of exaltation. Joseph was used mightily to minster to individuals while in prison and then to provide for the earth in hard times as the Prime Minister. In this article, we will focus on the personal aspects of how this man’s spirit continued to thrive in the Lord, no matter what circumstances developed.


Desperate Circumstances

Tragically, Joseph survived the rejection of his brothers to find himself the object of a transaction – being sold as a slave, treated as a parcel to be handed over for a price with no thought for his worth as a human being. Joseph was sold as a slave not once, but twice. His brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, who in turn sold him into the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh.

Many individuals who endure such dehumanizing treatment totally shut down the mind, the spirit, the heart to survive the emotional torment of becoming viewed as one without a personal will. Joseph provides a sharp contrast to the norm by continuing to walk in his identity and gifting WHILE going through circumstances that appeared to be the very opposite of his destiny.


Elevated while in Prison

Joseph was made the overseer in his master’s house because “his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.” Gen 39:3

The Lord blessed the master’s house because of Joseph. Having successfully navigated prior offensive moves of man, Joseph was again able to endure the next blow. A false accusation of impropriety from his master’s wife landed him in jail.

Once again, we see the hand of God on Joseph elevating him as he finds favor with the chief jailer and is given charge over all the prisoners. Why? “Because the Lord was with him and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper.”


How Did Joseph Thrive?

Joseph continued to find ways to remain alive spiritually. Joseph did not resort to a mere existence, but he actually was connected to the Lord to the point that he was actually flowing in ministry, blessing those he was around WHILE in prison.

Joseph found a way to keep His faith in the Lord vibrant without losing it when the bottom dropped out. That kind of faith and relationship comes from talking to the Lord, listening to the Lord, cultivating an inner core that is solid and won’t be rocked by man’s elevation or criticism.


Up Close and Personal

The question I have for us to consider is a personal one. Ask yourself these questions:

Does my trust in God, my nearness to God, my availability to be a vessel of ministry, depend on my circumstances?

Are we surprised by our shallow answers?

This is a time to repent from conditional love and obedience to God. It is a time to draw near to God, drop to our knees in prayer, and acknowledge the King of Kings, our King – Jesus!


“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

Joseph didn’t wait for things to get better before he became available to bless others. His master and other prisoners were the beneficiary of his walk with God and his availability to the Lord. Joseph wanted out of prison and attempted to send such a message through the cupbearer. Yet he did not become bitter to the point of shutting down while sitting in the same jail yet another two years.

In fact, he was found ready when Pharaoh called for him “and they suddenly brought him out of the dungeon;” He was given time to change clothes and shave (Gen 40:14) and immediately brought to Pharaoh. His ministry in prison, interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and the butler, made a way for him to be called out to interpret Pharaoh’s dream at the appointed time- when no one else could.

Let us remember who we are in God, right now, whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in. The hour is urgent for establishing a thriving, heart connection with Jesus. Get ready, get close, get personal with your Jesus.

If you are in prison, who is in prison with you that needs a blessing?

If you are not in your dream job, are you allowing God to shine favor on your work so that you might be useful in this place?

If you feel forgotten by those who promised to bring you along, are you refusing bitterness and choosing to draw near to God?

Are you trusting Him or fighting Him? Are you obeying Him or wasting breath debating His plan?

Let’s quit fighting God’s plans and become His greatest advocates!

Josephs, are you ready?

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