Good Times & Bad

Whether in good times or bad, there is one important overriding factor. It's stated numerous times in the thirty-ninth chapter of Genesis: "The LORD was with Joseph." Yahweh God was with him when he was sold as a slave by his brothers. When he became a servant in the household of an important Egyptian official. When he was tempted daily by this man's wife. When he was confined to prison.

Especially outstanding to note is that "his master saw that the LORD was with him." (Genesis 39.3) Later, in prison, God "gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer." (Genesis 39.21)

Would it be presumptuous to think that our Father's favor and presence would be upon us such that others notice? Obviously it is not without precedent.

There have been numerous occasions in my life when circumstances could have turned out much differently. Things could have gone terribly wrong when instead they turned out well. People who could have strongly opposed me chose to favor me. Granted, God's presence doesn't necessarily put us on easy street. Some of His greatest work is done in our lives through adversity. Regardless, the promise remains: "the LORD was with him."

In the adventure of this day, we can claim the same promise. Whether in prosperity or adversity, His presence remains. In fact, you have His Son's promise to back it up: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28.20)

©Steve Taylor, 2016 --Used by permission

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