A Success Story
Last week I received a message from a church member asking if I could give brief words of encouragement during the one-year celebration of her business. I thought to myself, why words of encouragement and not words of congratulations?
Then I realized that all the success stories in life, whether you are a successful athlete or a successful business leader, everyone has gone through trials, gone through so much sweat and tears, temptations, and struggles in order to get where they are. Judging from the way her business is going, she is doing pretty well and has become successful in what she’s doing, but I’m sure there were a lot of tears and sweat shed along the way, a lot of painful struggles, trials, and temptations that had to be overcome. And those things will never stop. That is why she requested words of encouragement.
One of my heroes in the Bible is Joseph. Now, Joseph was one of the greatest governors, if not the greatest governor in Egypt at that time. But before becoming the greatest governor of his time, life was not that great. He was the favorite son of Jacob, but that didn’t serve him well. He became the object of hatred and jealousy of his brothers. Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they planned to kill him. Fortunately for Joseph, he still had some brothers who were opposed to the death penalty and opted for a life sentence. And so they eventually sold Joseph to slavery in Egypt.
As a slave, he worked for Potiphar who was an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. While working for Potiphar, Mrs. Potiphar noticed how good-looking Joseph was and tried to seduce him to commit adultery with her. But Joseph was a man of God, and he refused the request of Mrs. Potiphar and he said, “How can I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).
Can you imagine the spiritual discipline of Joseph in the midst of a very difficult temptation? I mean, Joseph was presented with what many would say is a very favorable situation: Potiphar was not there, the wife probably was one of the most beautiful women in the land — it was indeed a very tempting proposition for Joseph. But Joseph thought about his God first above all the favorable situations! His loyalty to God came first!
But guess where that loyalty landed him? Jail! Mrs. Potiphar twisted the story and made up a scene that destroyed the credibility of Joseph’s character. Mr. Potiphar was forced to believe the lie and yielded to the story even though he knew his servant’s character. He chose to side with his wife rather than the servant. I mean, who wouldn’t? Mr. Potiphar’s reputation was on the line. He had to protect it! So, he had no choice but to throw Joseph in prison.
Now, this is the time when the believer’s faith is tested. Many times, this is where the temptation to doubt God comes in, and it’s understandable. The believers are doing the right thing, and yet they are the ones being persecuted! Where is the justice, you ask? It is during these circumstances when one struggles to stand on the principles of God.
Friends, when we decide to side with God life will not always be easy; we will face tribulations, temptations, and struggles. But at the same time, this is when we begin to see and experience the power of God! (John 16:33)
The Bible says the Lord was with Joseph (Gen. 39:21), and when he was in jail, Joseph was given the power of God to interpret the dreams of the baker and the butler. And when the king heard what Joseph could do, the king summoned Joseph to interpret his dream. The king was so impressed with Joseph that he exclaimed, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38 NLT)
That very same day, the king made Joseph the next powerful man in Egypt, and that all the people in the land of Egypt will take orders from the boy who was once sold to slavery! Can you imagine? This is the goodness of God! What an awesome and mighty God we serve!
We may weep for now because of the struggles that we are facing, but joy comes in the morning! We may be hurting for now, but healing is on the way! There might be some hiccups along the way, but your story and my story are success stories! Be encouraged!
“So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
