He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.
Psalm 105:16-17 NIV
Sometimes, it may seem challenging to always look to God for help, especially when the darkness of the present trials has overwhelmed us. In moments like these, one of the ways we can respond is to “remember the wonders He has done…” (v5). One of these wonders is the story of Joseph, who was sold as a slave but ultimately became God’s provision to rescue the world from famine and preserve the nation of Israel.
Indeed, God works in mysterious ways. Who could have imagined that Joseph, sold as a slave was part of God’s plan? Meanwhile, God was using this as an opportunity to provide a man for Himself in the land of Egypt. Despite the envy and wickedness of his brothers, God orchestrated everything behind the scenes. Nothing was done out of His knowledge.
And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.
Genesis 45:5,7-8 NIV
It is crucial to note that Joseph’s journey from the prison to the palace was not an afterthought in God’s plan. If Joseph had questioned God about his experiences, God might have responded, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out…” (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG). Let me inform you that God knows what He’s doing with your life. If you fully surrender to Him, you will have no regrets.
Many desire such a testimony, but few are willing to endure the trials and remain faithful. Joseph did not see sleeping with his master’s wife as an opportunity to escape slavery. He understood that doing so would be a great sin against God and derail His plan for his life. In his response to his master’s wife, we witness his reverence for God.
But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”
Genesis 39:8-9 NLT
Joseph had no idea of the benefits of his refusal, but he knew that saying “yes” to his master’s wife would be a sin against God.
I want to remind you that your journey towards fulfilment and manifestation may not always be smooth. It can be rough and tough, as the devil, your greatest adversary, seeks to hinder you. However, if you allow the Lord to guide you, relying on His strength and seeking to please Him, you will testify like Joseph when your manifestation comes to pass.
