Whatever he did

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. – Genesis 39v23

There are so many things to admire about Joseph and his character. His life is full of examples for us. Here is one tremendous example. Joseph's resiliancy is a challenge to us all.

The fact that he was in prison did not change Joseph's character. God was still with him and that was reflected in the fact that he quickly rose to the point where, though a prisoner himself, he ran the prison. The keeper of the prison never even checked up on him.

Joseph just always seemed to rise to the top. In Potiphar’s house he quickly became the head of the entire household. In prison he rose to the point where he acted as the warden. This theme will continue through the rest of his life. He was a born leader and had a character that no one could question.

What brings a man to this point? What is it that makes a Joseph? We might almost get a little envious at first. We have all known people like this. They are good at whatever the do. Those of us, who shall we say, don’t have that same reputation can look at them and wonder why.

But let’s look at Joseph. He prospered in Potiphar’s house, but he was still a slave. He prospered in prison, but he was still a prisoner. His prosperity was not contingent on where he was or what job he had. Despite being knocked down he kept on going and kept on prospering.

Eventually Joseph is going to come out on top, but we miss the record of the years of drudgery as a slave and as a prisoner. All we see is the exciting bits.

The same God who was with Joseph is with His children today. The same God who prospered Joseph promises to prosper us as we follow Him. We just need to learn to see prosperity from His perspective.