Genesis 39:2-3 (NKJV) The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.
When we choose to walk in the calling of God, we are prospering in God’s way. We will experience God when we walk in His calling after we have consecrated our lives to Him. This is why Joseph experienced the grace and favour of God despite man’s evil plot towards him. God began to make everything that Joseph did prosper, even when he was handling Potiphar’s matters. They were so much in favour of him that Potiphar promoted Joseph to have full authority over all of his business.
Genesis 41:39-40 (NKJV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you”
Joseph was known for his faithfulness to all his masters. He was faithful in handling whatever belonged to his masters and did his best for them. Faithfulness and trustworthiness are good traits. God promoted Joseph to be the Prime Minister of Egypt after he had proven to be faithful in Potiphar’s house. This reiterates what the Bible teaches to be faithful with the little so that God will entrust us with much (Matthew 25:21).
Many people are impatient about their promotion. However, they may not be able to handle challenging situations as Joseph did. Joseph had to endure hardship, misunderstanding, accusations, betrayal, and unjust imprisonment before he could step into the calling that God had revealed to him in his dream years before.
Psalms 75:6-7 (NKJV) For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.
God is the one who promotes us in the corporate and business world. He is the one who puts kings and authorities in their place. Likewise, God is the one who will exalt you when you are walking in His will. There will be favour with men and Him. He will cause the work of your hand to prosper, just like Joseph.
God does not play favourites. God loves each of us equally because we are hidden in Christ. He has good plans and a purpose for each of us. If God was able to exalt or promote Joseph, He can do the same for you and me. This has to be your conviction as you walk out His calling.
Reflection: Where is God inviting you to practice quiet faithfulness today, trusting that He will be the One to promote and prosper you in His perfect way and timing?
Sermon Series: Are You Joseph?
在神的手中兴盛
创世记 39:2–3 耶和华与约瑟同在，他就百事顺利；他住在他主人埃及人的家中。他主人见耶和华与他同在，又见耶和华使他手里所办的尽都顺利。
当我们选择行在神的呼召中，就是按着神的方式进入兴盛。一个将生命分别为圣归给神的人，在顺服祂呼召的路上，必定经历神真实的同在。正因如此，尽管约瑟遭遇人的恶意谋害，他仍然经历了神的恩典与眷顾。神使约瑟手中所做的一切尽都顺利，甚至连他为波提乏所管理的事务也都蒙福。因此，波提乏极其器重约瑟，将家中一切事务都交在他手中。
创世记 41:39–40 法老对约瑟说：“神既将这事都指示你，可见没有人像你这样有聪明有智慧。你可以掌管我的家；我的民都必听从你的话；惟独在宝座上我比你大。”
约瑟因着对每一位主人的忠心而被人认识。他忠心管理主人所托付的一切，并且尽心竭力去完成。忠诚与可靠，本就是极其宝贵的品格。在波提乏家中被证明忠心之后，神最终将约瑟提升为埃及的宰相。这再次印证了圣经的原则：人在小事上忠心，神就必把更大的事托付给他（马太福音25:21）。
许多人渴望被提升，却往往缺少忍耐，也未必能像约瑟那样承受试炼。约瑟在进入神早年借梦向他显明的命定之前，先经历了苦难、误解、诬告、背叛，以及不公义的监禁。
诗篇 75:6–7 因为高举非从东，非从西，也非从南而来。惟有神断定；他使这人降卑，使那人升高。
在职场和商业领域中，真正赐下提升的是神。设立君王、掌权者的，也是神。同样，当你行在祂旨意中的时候，祂必亲自高举你。那时，你不仅会得着神的喜悦，也会蒙人的恩待；祂必使你手中的工作兴盛，正如祂使约瑟所做的一切尽都顺利一样。
神并不偏待人。因着我们都藏在基督里，祂以同样的爱爱我们每一个人。祂为每个人都预备了美好的计划和独特的旨意。若神能够高举约瑟，祂同样也能够高举你我。这样的确信，应当成为我们行走在祂呼召中的力量与根基。
默想：
今天，神正在邀请你在哪一个领域操练安静而忠心的顺服？你是否愿意相信，真正使你被提升、使你手中工作兴盛的，终究是神自己——并且祂的时间与方式永远都是最好的。
讲章系列：你是约瑟吗？