Strong Vision
Devotional Contributor: Steve Shuman
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:22 "By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones."
Observation:
Joseph was the man. I mean, really, the man. Who else gets sold into slavery by their brothers, thrown into prison by his boss, interprets some dreams and then named Pharaoh's right hand man? It's crazy...if not for God. God was at Joseph's side every single step of the way. He's easily one of my favorite characters in the bible and when I think of all he went through, I'm stuck by the fact that his trust in God never wavered. His faith was unbreakable and seeing how God restored him to become the second most powerful man in Egypt and the broader region is a miraculous story. Joseph was faithful to God through some crazy ups and downs and God rewarded him for his obedience.
In the end, it would have been easy for Joseph to sit back and enjoy his new found position and power and bask in his wealth and fortune. But on his death bed, after all that he had been through, we see that Joseph still focused on God and was intent on following him, regardless of the consequences and circumstances. For Joseph, no matter if he was in chains being sold at a slave auction wondering what he did to deserve this or sitting in a seat of power having anything he would ever want, obeying God was the only thing he was concerned about. That faithfulness is what God is calling each of us to — to look to Him in EVERY situation. As I write this, there are things in my life that I'm struggling with — areas in my life that I struggle to see how God will provide. But when I see what God did in Joseph's life, I'm challenged to put away my doubts and have faith, to not give up on what God promises. He is GOOD. He is FAITHFUL. And He always keeps His promises.
Application:
No matter what I'm faced with, my posture should one that is always erring toward obedience to God. It is essential that I see God's plan for my life as always for my good and because of that, put my trust in His goodness. And just like Joseph, regardless of the situation, my eyes need to be forward thinking and focused on God's plan, not mine.
Request:
Heavenly Father, I look to YOU and YOU ALONE to be my provider, my hope, and my salvation. Please help me to look past my circumstances and focus on you to provide for me in ALL things. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.