The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (Gen. 39:2)
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—we’ve often heard this as the pinnacle of prosperity. Of course, there’s much to be proud of in working hard, providing for our families, and having a sense of purpose in life. This purpose may look like staying home and raising your family, waking up each morning and going to work, or finding other ways to pour yourself into hobbies, volunteering, or serving others. What could be wrong with these values? If we put in enough hours each day, save enough money, and love the people around us, then surely, we will achieve success and prosperity.
However, we see there’s a different order of events for Joseph as he worked in Egypt. Joseph’s success began as a direct result of the Lord’s presence with him. Indeed, Joseph did not do anything to gain the Lord’s presence; instead, he leaned into the gift of God’s favor throughout his life. Because the Lord was with Joseph, he prospered.
The Lord’s presence, which was with Joseph in Genesis, is the same presence Jesus promised us. And yet, it is easy to seek success in life through our own merit and abilities rather than to seek the Lord first. We get caught up in the strife of working without seeing God with us. How might our achievements and goals look differently if we first sought the Lord in everything?
Seek the Lord’s presence before anything else.
Allison Krupp is a resident pastor at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, and pursuing ordination. She enjoys having conversations over coffee and laughing loudly with friends.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
