Faith’s Hall Of Fame: Joseph
Joseph’s story is for all of us.
Faith’s Hall Of Fame: Joseph
Hebrews 11:22
“By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”
When talking about faith, no list would be complete without Joseph. One of the youngest of twelve sons, he rose to prominence, above his brothers, in his father’s household. As a teenager, he survived a murder plot by his own brothers.
Sold into slavery at the age of 17, he overcame his betrayal and rose to prominence in his new household. Excelling there, he was entrapped and falsely accused, causing him to be imprisoned for ten years. He rose to prominence in prison and was given charge over the entire prison.
God blessed him and by the age of 30, Joseph was the second most powerful man in Egypt. How could this young man excel through so much misfortune and hardship in his life? The book of Genesis tells us:
Genesis 39:23
“… the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.”
Joseph’s faith went with him in every time and place but notice what his faith did not do. It didn’t keep him from murderous jealousy, slavery, slander, false accusations, imprisonment or neglect. God didn’t save him from those things. Instead, God went into those things with him.
I remember reading somewhere that God didn’t save Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Instead, He went into the fire with them.
Isn’t that Joseph’s story, too? What we learn from great stories of faith is that God doesn’t save us from the trials and fires of life. Rather, He uses those things to temper and mould us into men and women with a faith that can withstand whatever comes against us.
Joseph’s story is for all of us. You may not end up ruling Egypt or Babylon, but you can be sure that God will be able to use you for His glory wherever you go if you go down that road with faith in Him.
