20/20/20 Challenge Day #16

Today's Reading...
Genesis 39
Luke 16:1-15

Genesis 39:2

The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the house of his Egyptian master.

Luke 16:10

"If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in the large ones.  But if you are dishonest in the little things you won't be honest with the greater responsibilities."

Observation

I'm amazed at Joseph's story because you never see him cry foul or lament over the present injustice that he found himself in.  Instead he chooses faithfulness; faithfulness to his God, his upbringing and the dream he knew God planted in his heart.  

I'm not naive enough to believe his heart didn't cry for justice, that his eyes weren't filled with tears of fear and disillusionment.  He was, after all, human like the rest of us, and to deny that doesn't do us any good as we consider our own journey.  Yet, in the end it seems he never viewed his road as one leading to perdition, but one leading to God's will.

Application

Being faithful and standing firm in the small things is vital to God in trusting us with more.  Every injustice that Joseph experienced was a test of long-suffering and faithfulness, and although it seemed to lead him down a road of destruction, it was actually leading him to godly fulfillment.

The Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 encourages me to "never grow tired of doing the right thing."  How important it is for me to pursue integrity, honesty and faithfulness, for these things will be the vehicle that takes me to the place of his highest blessing.  And just like Joseph's story, it will not only bring me joy in the end, but all the people under my influence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may my eyes stay fixed on you.  May my thoughts and my actions carry the integrity and honesty of Joseph and may I remain faithful to your calling and your direction.  I know my life is not on the road to perdition but on the road to fulfillment through obedience to you, because you guide my steps and make my paths straight when I trust in you.