Week 36, Day 1: Serve Wherever You Are!
Today’s Reading: Genesis 40:1-23
Some thoughts from the reading…
Some people seem to need ideal circumstances before they are willing to serve the Lord. If they are unable to have perfect comfort, or perfect conditions, they find an excuse to avoid their responsibilities. Or perhaps, under certain circumstances, people feel justified in trying to ignore God, and His expectations. However, when we see the account of Genesis 40, we see God’s expectations for His people. Joseph was in prison, and yet, he was able to work diligently, and continue to serve God. How many of us would have ended up being dejected because of our circumstances (unjustly imprisoned)? Perhaps we would sit in our cell, moping about how miserable we were if we were in Joseph’s sandals. But, that is not what Joseph did. He worked his way up, through honesty and good character, to be in charge of all of the other prisoners. Even in the worst of circumstances, he was able to prosper.
In his position in this prison, Joseph was given the opportunity to serve God by giving the interpretation of the two dreams of his fellow prisoners, a butler and a baker. Of course, Joseph had good news for the butler, but terrible news for the baker. This would lead eventually to the release of Joseph from prison, as he would be given the opportunity to interpret dreams for the Pharaoh (in the coming chapters). But, notice that Joseph gave all the credit for his abilities to God (Genesis 40:8). He was doing this in service to God.
Sometimes we may not know why we are in a given circumstance. Perhaps Satan is trying desperately to defeat our spirit, and cause us to give up our service. Perhaps we have made mistakes that cause us to live with certain consequences. Perhaps we simply have “bad luck”, after all, time and chance happen to all men (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Whatever the case, Joseph shows us that we can serve the Lord, and that we are expected to serve the Lord, regardless of our circumstances. It is not always easy to serve God. But, during the difficult times, we may be even more productive, and more valuable in the service of God. We cannot give up just because the going gets tough!
Question: What are some difficult circumstances under which people today serve God?
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