Excerpts from Maximize Relationships by Uyoyou C. Charles-Iyoha
Sometimes, the relationships
that God allows in our lives frighten and astonish us particularly on account
of the lifestyle of the people; the cruel and harsh treatment they mete out to
us; the countless cries of help to God and the seeming delay in getting help
from God that makes us wonder if God still exists and if He does, If He still
cares about us. Hold your peace, child of God. God cares and is watching out
for your best interest, ensuring that no evil befalls you while He is building
your rest designed for His specific time.
Also, the person may not be
exactly your first choice of a relationship partner. But if the person is
brought your way for a purpose, then thank God and learn. Joseph for instance
had absolutely no choice in choosing his brothers, who sold him to the
Midianites traders. He was eventually sold off to Potiphar. Fortunately, Joseph
understood his role as a slave and worked diligently, comporting himself in a
godly manner. In no time, he became chief of staff in Potiphar's house. But
just when he was beginning to savor the job, Potiphar's wife chose to be used of
the devil; albeit in a very positive manner. Positive! YES, for it was this situation that led to
Joseph's imprisonment in the royal prison. That placement made the connection
between Joseph and Pharaoh's chief butler which eventually culminated in Joseph
being brought to Pharaoh. That was it – the jealousy and hatred by his older
brothers that led to his sale to Midianites traders who in turn sold him to
Potiphar's wife that led to his imprisonment were all the hand of the unseen
but mighty God directing and ordering Joseph to his rest, the purpose of God
for his life.
This explains why Joseph could
say to his brothers in Genesis Chapter 50 verse 19 that what his brothers meant
for evil turned out to be for the greater good because God intervened in the
situation to work out His purposes, plans and timing for Joseph’s life. God had
made a promise to Abraham in Genesis Chapter 15 verses 13 to 16. Though God did
not specify at that time what land the descendants of Abraham would serve in as
slaves, it turned out to be Egypt and Joseph was sent ahead by God to prepare a
place for them in Egypt; ironically against the global famine of Joseph's day.
Thus did the Israelites settle in Egypt, not initially as slaves but as
migrants and relations of the then Prime Minister of Egypt. This was Joseph,
the chief servant of Potiphar, later a prisoner and finally a Prime Minister.
Prison is prison for crying out
loud and no place for prestige, honor, fame, resource ownership and position.
So also is servant-hood. I believe Joseph understood all of these implications
to his leadership role which explains why above everything else he desired to
get out of prison and pleaded with the butler to remember him. It also explains
why he comported himself well in each of the limiting positions he found
himself in. It was not long before God orchestrated Joseph's exit out of those
positions and put him where he rightly belonged – Prime Minister of Egypt. It is significant to note that Joseph did not
own any possessions or resources until he left servant-hood and prison to
become Prime Minister. That exactly is why the devil orchestrated Joseph's
slavery through his brothers; incited Potiphar's wife to ensure prison so that
Joseph who had declared himself leader of his father's children would own
nothing whatsoever, be a slave, a servant and a prisoner. Who bows to a servant
and a prisoner? Nobody in his right mind does that and not even when you are
head of the prisoners. Joseph never
preoccupied himself with owning resources while serving as a servant and as a
prisoner. He preoccupied himself with getting out of prison. Beloved, it is
time to get out of prison into where God purposed for you in Jesus mighty name,
Amen.
When Joseph eventually got out
of prison, global wealth, honor, fame and leadership were his without any
struggle. He just owned what he did not sweat for; a befitting house, a wife,
children, choice clothes, furniture and what have you. Joseph was free, wealthy
and respected. Getting out of prison, in this case whatever limits you from
achieving purpose is therefore your primary goal after which every other thing
will follow.
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