Life
Lessons: God’s Presence at All Times
Genesis
39:1—40:23
SITUATION: Even
though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, God used that situation to
bless Joseph. First, an Egyptian officer entrusted his household to Joseph.
When Joseph rejected the sexual advances of the officer’s wife, she falsely
accused Joseph of rape and had him jailed. Again, even in prison, God developed
Joseph’s character.
OBSERVATION: In
order to experience God’s power, leaders must often endure hardship. Then they
emerge to make their contribution.
INSPIRATION: [A]
leader must prepare for leadership in the same way Jesus prepared: by being
willing to suffer.
The words almost sound strange to modern
ears. What do we know, in this wonderful country, of suffering? As a nation we
have never known real want. . . . There have been, of course, earthquakes,
floods . . . illness. There are riots and strikes and crimes. Violent death
threatens us on the highways, in the cities. . . .
To suffer simply means “to bear under.” A
leader is [someone] who does not groan about burdens, but takes them—and with a
dash of humor. He knows how to keep his mouth shut about his difficulties and
how to live a day at a time, doing quietly what needs doing at the moment. . .
. Don’t do it alone. Perhaps I seem to be belaboring the point, but lest the
“rules” for leadership appear impossibly supernatural, we need to recall
constantly that it is Christ who calls us; it is Christ who promises His
presence and His strength. Who did He call to be disciples? Weren’t they quite
ordinary men? None was outstanding, so far as we know, before his call to
discipleship. It was not unusual gifts or an unusual spirituality or any
position of temporal success already gained that drew Jesus’ attention to them.
He spent a night in prayer to His Father, prior to the decision, and then, in
accord with the Father’s will, issued the call. I pray . . . that you (and
others who may read this) will answer the call to be willing to suffer in order
to lead, to be last in order to be first. (From The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot)
APPLICATION: God
often develops leaders through have humility and suffering. If you have a
position of leadership, realize that suffering and success both come with the
job. Both build character and ability. Take heart in the examples of Joseph and
Jesus, two leaders who rose above suffering to lead and to love. Accept your
problems today as opportunities for growth.
EXPLORATION: God’s
Presence at All Times – Genesis 28:15;
Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy
20:1; Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 18:20; 28:20