Yesterday I walked into my office after a meeting and set down my note pad and bottle of water. A few minutes later I glanced over and my water bottle was like this.

Found Faithful 

Genesis 39 

Joseph, lesson 11 

Joseph had a way of endearing himself to those in authority. He did it first in his own household where his father, Jacob, loved him more than his brothers and trusted Joseph to report back to him all that the brothers were doing. Now, under a tumultuous turn of events, Joseph finds himself as a slave in the home of very powerful man in Egypt. Joseph is elevated to authority in the household of the Egyptian. There was something about Joseph that engendered confidence from others. In a word, he was trustworthy. In my experience, this characteristic will open up doors of advancement more than anything. 

I’ll take, 

• Trustworthiness over skill… 
• Trustworthiness over talent… 
• Trustworthiness over intelligence… 
• Trustworthiness over experience… 

…every time! 

Now don’t get me wrong, skill, talent, intelligence and experience can take one a long way in this life. However, without trust, these four characteristics are almost meaningless toward sustainable success. Trust, character and integrity are the foundation of all accomplishments that have enduring value. 

However, I’m speaking from an earthly perspective. I’m referring to a ‘success principle’ that applies to the natural order of things. It’s a success equation that is predictable and duplicatable. I’m referring to the natural moral laws that God created within the world.  

The moral principle: apply discipline, perseverance and trustworthiness to all that you do, and you will prosper.  

There is a biblical foundation for this moral principle. But realize when one follows these principles, it is not the ultimate truth, in and of itself. It’s not the ultimate truth that always leads to physical blessing. This is a helpful moral lesson but it’s not the main point of the story. These are the principles that Tony Robbins has taught with great success for over thirty years. I have studied his principles thoroughly. He is a brilliant man. For the most part, his raw principles are very good. But he is lacking significantly in one area. With sadness I say, he doesn’t know God and doesn’t understand the sovereignty and providence of God.  

Was Joseph’s rise to trust based on his personal character or the Providence of God? 

• The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man, 39:2 
• So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge, 39:4 
• The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph, 39:5b 
• But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer, 39:22 

Was Joseph’s rise to trust based on his personal character or the Providence of God?  

The quick answer is yes and yes. Yes, to both, but the providence of God always reigns supreme. From yesterday’s post, we learned that in most cases, God uses the natural order of things and people to accomplish His providential purposes. Man is responsible for their own actions (which is the natural order of things) but God is not a passive victim of the actions of man or natural occurrences. God doesn’t just let the natural order of things rule supreme. He intercedes according to His will and His purposes. This is the wonderful mystery of God’s providence. 

So, how should we live within the understanding of the providence of God? First, don’t worry and don’t fret about God’s providence. Leave it to him. God was with Joseph and he enjoyed some success. But he also was thrown in a pit and sold as a slave. But it could’ve been worst, as he could’ve been killed by his brothers. Joseph was falsely accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison. But it could’ve been worse in that his master could’ve and should’ve killed him. We could go back and forth on the pros and cons of what happened to Joseph. But bottom-line, leave the providence of God to God and live with faith and trust in His good purposes.

What is our responsibility? We are simply responsible to receive Jesus and by His grace, commit to live a life that honors him. Leave the rest to God. God used Joseph’s good character for His purposes. God will use you and direct your steps as well. Paul teaches this principle in 2 Timothy, 

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, (our sins of the past), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master for every good work. Now, flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2:21,22 

Joseph’s trustworthiness and faithfulness allowed him to be useful to His true Master, God. God’s providence used Joseph’s faithfulness to accomplish His purposes. May God do the same with us! Father, we are so grateful that You do not leave us to our own devices. As weak and frail as we may be, You are nevertheless at work within us and through us to accomplish Your good purposes. May we be found faithful and useful to You. Amen!