A Shield of Favor

I loved yesterday’s passage from Micah, as it was such an important reminder how we can trust that God will make His way known to us. God’s heart to show us the path to His ways is why we start every day in prayer. He is the one who corrects us, leads us, and as we will see today, empowers us. So let’s begin today by asking God to speak to us today. Pray with me:

Spirit, I have heard all week how You desire to bring me to new life through living according to Your ways. I need You to lead. I need You to help me in every way. Reveal to me how Your presence makes the difference when it comes to living rightly. Show me my dependence on You and how faithful You are! Amen.  

Genesis 39:1-5 (NLT)
1 When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.

When I was young, McDonald’s ran a jingle about their Big Mac that went like this: “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” I could almost sing it back as I typed it. But the one line that always stood out to me was the claim to have a “special sauce.” The line stands out because it claims a special distinction about this burger, something that makes it different from all the others. Its difference was in the sauce. I remember that being important, as I too desired to have a “special sauce.” Something that made me stand out, to be distinct. Have you ever worked to find something that makes you stand out from the crowd? Or have you ever worried that you don’t have anything that makes you distinct?

Our scripture today tells of a young man named Joseph, who stood out. He was successful and he made his owner successful. Was it because Joseph had some special talent, or had some privileged life that allowed him to be recognized above the rest? No. Joseph was a slave. He had been sold into slavery by his brothers. He had been ripped from his family because he was a spoiled “daddy’s boy.” And yet here he stands as a slave, successful in everything he does. And Genesis tells us that his success was because the LORD was with him. God’s presence in Joseph’s life was a blessing both to Joseph and to his master. Why? Because Joseph looked to God and His ways. Have you ever had a moment when God asked you to trust Him and you did, and He supernaturally moved on your behalf? Take some time and reflect on these stories.  

God’s favor not only made Joseph successful, it made Joseph humble. He had gone from a clueless young man stirring envy in his brothers, to a man of character and conviction. It was Joseph’s willingness to look to God and see His ways, even when it wasn’t easy or convenient. This was the “special sauce” that made Joseph stand out. Is God calling you to do something difficult, and you’re not sure if you can trust God? How can Joseph’s story encourage your obedience?

After taking some time to reflect on these questions, take 4-5 minutes to pray about what God is bringing to mind. If you need help, here’s a prompt to get you started.

God, if You are leading me to this difficult thing (you fill in the blank)…remind me that I can trust You.

I hope the presence of the Holy Spirit guides your heart and thoughts today.