Imagine sitting in a dungeon all day, nothing to do, nothing to read, no one to talk to. Time crawls.
Joseph was sold into slavery at 17. He served Potiphar, was falsely accused, spent years in prison, then was elevated to second-in-command of Egypt. But Joseph had never stopped working. God did not send him to Egypt to wile away his time in a cell, atrophy consuming body and mind. God sent him to Egypt to work and hustle and face challenges and grow. Those 13 years, serving first Potiphar and then the head of the Palace Guard, grew Joseph into the man God wanted him to be. Potiphar saw God blessing things he entrusted to Joseph—so Potiphar entrusted EVERYTHING to Joseph. Joseph—an immigrant, still learning the language and culture—soon ran Potiphar’s entire business.
The same thing happened in prison: the Captain of the Guard saw how capable Joseph was and put him in charge of EVERYTHING. And Joseph worked hard, dawn to dusk, never slowing down. He must have arrived in Egypt with incredible skills. But slavery and prison taught him humility and compassion. Still, the man worked hard and time did not drag.
And when Joseph finally met Pharoah, the king put him in charge of EVERYTHING. In essence, Joseph WAS king. His word was law. And God blessed the entire nation through his leadership.
“The Lord was with Joseph and he became a successful man…. The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him… the Lord made everything he did successful.” Genesis 39:2,21,23.
One key to Joseph’s success? HARD WORK.
“Do your work with all your heart, as unto God rather than men. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24.
God, teach us to work hard, to be grateful for work and acts of service—and help us work hard FOR YOU, not just for others or ourselves. Remind us that we are serving you and you are growing us through our work. Bless our work as you blessed Joseph’s.
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