Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years. (Gen. 50:22)
If you’re like me, it can be tempting to quit something when it becomes difficult or when it is not going according to our plan or preference. While we all know that quitting may not always be the right or best choice, sometimes it is the most tempting. What do we do with that? How do we continue to move forward?
Joseph’s life was anything but easy. In fact, compared to his, many of our lives probably seem reasonably enjoyable and predictable. But we all have situations in our lives that are less than ideal and certainly not what we would plan. For Joseph, he had probably never planned to live in Egypt. For people from his nation, Egypt was not where you’d ever expect to be for any extended period of time—let alone the majority of your life. But the Scriptures tell us that Joseph stayed in Egypt.
He was in a place of power and authority. He could have moved to wherever he wanted in his later years, without any consequences. However, Joseph stayed in Egypt. What if he stayed in Egypt because, despite his plan or preference, that is where God used him? What if Egypt represented God’s good work in and through hard circumstances? What if the same could be true for you and me?
Ask where God is inviting you to stay when you desire to leave.
Joel J. Gorveatte deeply loves Jesus, his wife, and the church. He serves as the worship and next steps pastor at Journey [Wesleyan] Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
