January 18

The story of Joseph is one of the most amazing examples of divine favor in all of Scripture. As a teenager, God began to speak to him through Holy Spirit inspired dreams, revealing His plan for Joseph’s life, and promising to exalt him beyond anything he could have ever imagined.

In later years, Joseph would exhibit outstanding character qualities like forgiveness, perseverance, and humility. When God first began to speak to him, Joseph did not seem to be especially spiritual or mature. Sharing his dreams with his brothers was unwise. It made them so jealous that they were willing to sell him into slavery in Egypt. In spite of Joseph’s mistakes, God continued to bless him and use him to further His Kingdom here on earth.

What does Joseph’s story teach you and me about divine favor?

1.    Favor is the work of God, not the work of man. Divine favor comes as the result of God sovereignly choosing to use a particular person in a particular way. He alone has the final say over such matters. He chooses who He uses.

2.    Faithfulness before God results in favor before man.  Joseph responded to God’s initial gift of favor by staying true to God’s purposes in some very trying circumstances. Each time, Joseph’s faithfulness resulted in even more favor from the Lord.

3.    Favor brings divine blessing and human testing. The favor and gift of God in Joseph’s life angered his brothers and caused Potiphar’s wife to try to seduce him, but it also attracted Pharoah’s attention and resulted in his sudden promotion from prisoner to Prime Minister.

As you and I walk with the Lord and remain faithful to Him, these three principles will become realities in our lives as well. God graciously granted us salvation and eternal life. He has also chosen us to serve Him in very specific ways. As we continually choose to respond to His call, we will experience His faithful provision and find ultimate personal fulfillment.

When you read this devotional, I encourage you to pray this prayer,

Lord, please help me to always remain faithful to you in spite of whatever difficulties or opportunities come my way. Please help me to respond rightly when I am treated wrongly. Use me as much as you possibly can to further your agenda here on earth. I love you and want to bring you glory with my life! In Christ’s name, Amen.

Pastor Mark