Genesis 39:2 – “And the LORD was with Joseph…”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, my focus was drawn to the story of Joseph. His life can be viewed as a progression of faith and maturity. God revealed Joseph’s destiny while he was a teenager. His dream became a thorn in his brother’s side.

He was sold by his brothers as a slave.  His dream appeared dead.  He had been treated treacherously by his own brothers.   He was purchased like an inanimate object or a subhuman creature.  He was suffering the ultimate devaluation.  His dream seemed impossible.

Then, in Genesis 39:2, we read, “And the LORD was with Joseph…”   That is ironic!  He had been abandoned by his family, sold into slavery, his dream was dead, and we hear, “And the LORD was with Joseph…”   You could have fooled me.  If we consider his visible situation, it would appear that God had abandoned him, rather than being with him.

The evidence of God’s presence became visible.   He was promoted by his owner.   THEN, the owner’s wife tried to seduce him, then lied about him.   He was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

In Genesis 39:21, we read again, “But the LORD was with Joseph…”   Wow!   On the surface, it would appear that he might want to say, “LORD, if this is being with me, please stop.”   But he was elevated to a position of favor in prison.   Favor, but the dream was nowhere in sight. His situation has worsened.   He was farther from fulfillment than ever as far as the natural mind could comprehend.

Then, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was elevated to a position equivalent to Prime Minister.  He saved his family and preserved the Messianic line. The LORD was with him!

In life, we progress through obstacles and difficulties, wrestle with God as Jacob, and overcome hate and the thirst for retaliation. If we embrace God with us, we become who we must become to fulfill our destiny.    We would never have heard from him again if Joseph failed any of those trials or tests.  The devil would have won a significant victory.

Each of us has a divine destiny.   To reach that destiny, we have to navigate the troubled waters of tests, trials, and temptations.   Fail, and we either make another lap around the mountain or relinquish our dream and embrace the misery of failure.

Joseph embraced the truth, “God is with me.”   He believed the dream, trusted God’s promises, and persevered. He fulfilled his purpose, and we can, too!   An old preacher said, “God can pull you through anything, if you can stand the pull.”

When the LORD is with you, you succeed!