March 11 – Courage in the Dungeons
Genesis 39: 20-21: Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Things happen to us in kairos time when something new is being accomplished. Kairos time is the right, critical, or opportune moment in time. While we look for good times always in kairos time, trials too happen to shape us and form character and develop the muscles of courage in kairos time
Joseph was handsome, winsome, gifted, all things went in favor of him so he was a victim of jealous, which first started in his own family among his brothers. Sometimes, when we start to excel in all we do, people notice us and may get infected with the viper’s venom of jealousy. Joseph has always been the most fascinating saint in the Bible for me, because he had integrity and excellence. As said earlier, the first people who were jealous of him were his own brothers, who tried to kill him. However, God put compassion in Reuben and Judah’s hearts and they saved him from death, but could not rescue him fully and he was sold as a slave. Sometimes, in the midst of evil plots fueled by jealousy, God raises up protectors.
In Potiphar’s household, once again, his conniving wife made fake uproarious claims against Joseph when he did not succumb to her advances. He became a victim of her rage and jealousy because she felt rejected by him. In all this, Joseph maintained his integrity. Once in the prison, he displayed the light, understanding and presence of God.
In dark times or even if thrown in prison, if we maintain a heart of purity, honesty, integrity and remain close to God in conversation and deed, God manifests Himself to us and to others too in those dungeons. His kindness upon us gives us favor with people in authority. Though Joseph still remained in prison for a long season, God have him a powerful testimony in the prison. His spiritual gifts enabled him to interpret the dreams of the butler, baker and finally, the King of Egypt himself, who promoted him to a top ruler in Egypt. As said by Gugu Mona: When you face seasons that are not in your favor, it does not mean that Gods favor is not upon you; nor does it mean He can no longer do great things. It is only a season, you will go through and overcome.
Would you ever believe that even an experience in prison could actually make you stronger and fill you with new courage? People who emerged out of prison often became stronger, had new insights into life, and had new courage! Our setbacks sometimes work in favor of us.
In this account, God had to prune Joseph by allowing so much betrayal in his life, he took him out of his comfort zone, stretched him and matured him because He could promote him.
Remember, in order to rise up and break through bonds, God might have to sometimes break us, take us out of comfort zones, stir up our nests and challenge us. Through this, we start to develop deeper qualities and start to shine like diamonds and grow from faith to faith!
Rita.
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