The road to success is not comfortable

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today's reading?

Joseph is probably one of the best examples in the Bible of people who lived a good, God-pleasing life. I love that we can see how his talents, and ultimately his immense value, come from God. Joseph gives God the credit for his ability to interpret dreams and make wise decisions. This helps people to see that God is with Joseph, so when God gives Joseph success, this looks like part of God's big plan to draw people back to him.

I'm also challenged by the fact that Joseph's prosperity doesn't always look like success, and certainly not like being comfortable, He is badly treated and spends years unjustly in prison. But the glory which would come to God by Joseph faithfully following would be more than Joseph could ever have planned out.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

Joseph reminds me of Jesus - son of a nation's founder, shepherd of his father's sheep, good but unfairly and viciously treated, sold, falsely accused and punished with two other prisoners (one saved, one lost!), but ultimately bringing salvation for his people. I think God used Joseph not just to redeem his family but to show people a bit of his bigger plan to save the world.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Joseph's work standard and success always seemed to come from God, and he could point the way directly to God as a result. I don't know how God will direct or speak to me this week, but I'll be sure to credit him when he does.

Who am I going to share this with?

The people I work with and the people I pray about work and school with.