WHAT GOD DID FOR JOSEPH
ACTS 7:9-10
ACTS 7:9-10 NKJ
9 "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
OBSERVATION:
These verses are an excerpt from a message that Stephen delivered to the high priest and Jewish council.
He had been arrested because God was using him in a big way. On account of Stephen's ministry, miracles were taking place. Although the Bible does not specifically state the end result of those miracles, we can surmise that people were turning from Judaism to the Lordship of Jesus.
In Stephen's message, he recounts the story of Israel, starting with Abraham and concluding with Solomon building a temple for God.
Stephen's message is a summary with some interesting insight. The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis takes up several chapters. Stephen sums up his history in a few verses.
Joseph was sold into Egypt, but God was with him. That says a lot about how Joseph was able to deal with the trauma he faced. From being the favored son to a slave is quite a dramatic fall. He was a slave but. That's a significant but. But God was with him.
And delivered him, Joseph, out of all his troubles. Joseph went through some troubling times. Slavery to prison is not a good progression. Yet if you read Joseph's story, God was with him and delivered him out of slavery and out of prison. This deliverance was not overnight, but God helped him at every stage.
And gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh. This was what God did for Joseph. This was not natural talents and charm. Even though Joseph went through difficult times, God helped him and enabled him to rise about the troubles.
APPLICATION:
What God did for Joseph, He can still do today. As we follow the Lord, He is able to help us rise above the troubles we encounter.
This is not to assume we will never face difficult times. But if God is with us, and He is. Then He can deliver us. And give us favor and wisdom in the presence of those who are in our lives.
God did this for Joseph. He has not lost any of His ability to do this for us.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your help and presence. Give me the favor and wisdom I need to win the day and win over the challenges I face.