Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
Genesis 39:1-6
Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.
Excuses. We’ve all got them. It’s been said that excuses are like armpits, we all have them and they usually stink! I heard it said recently that excuses are like exit ramps off the freeway of life. There you are just rolling along, things are going great, then a challenge comes and you just exit. You just get off the highway instead of addressing it with action. When it comes to serving the Lord there really is no excuse for disobedience. Think about it, if we have confessed Jesus as the Lord of our lives then His Holy Spirit lives in us and we now have everything we need to obey Him no matter the circumstances around us. The blood of Jesus paid our sin debt. The empty tomb ensures we have life, and His Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, power, and peace to face the day.
At this point we are still early in the life story of Joseph. He has been sold into slavery by his brothers and left for dead. They could care less whether Joseph lives or dies. They just want this dreaming brother of theirs out of their life. Jealousy and hatred have led them to throw him out like a common piece of household trash. Joseph had every reason to give up on faith and on his family. If anyone could have been justified in their bitterness it was Joseph, but instead of staying bitter, he got better. The same things that make us bitter are the very things God can use to make us better for His glory, and Joseph chose to do the right thing instead of the natural thing. As a result, the Lord blessed him greatly. Joseph had God’s Presence, it says the Lord was “with him.” Joseph gained prosperity, because it says that he became a successful man. He also gained prominence, because it says that the favor of God caused him to stand out among his peers so Potiphar put Joseph in charge of all that he had. God will bless us with the very same things if we will choose not to make excuses but to obey His Word.
So, what’s your excuse? The Child of God never has the right to be unkind. God’s servant never has just cause to retaliate or get revenge. The blame game is a terrible pastime that only the weakest of people play. Are you going to be bitter or get better? Find your strength today in Jesus! Let’s lay down our excuses and choose to follow Christ today. Because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus not only can you go on for God, you have victory in His name!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I know this life is hard at times, but Lord I believe you sit enthroned above it all. No more excuses Lord. I choose to follow and obey You. I want your greatest spiritual blessings for my life. I will not blame others for my lot in life, instead I choose to trust in You and seek Your will. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”