In the last three hundred and sixty-five days that we have lived with the pandemic, no one would have imagined that the life of every human being would take a different turn on this blessed planet where we live. Every home has stories to tell, some very touching, some sad, others with surprising endings. Families that are gone, friends, neighbors. Many people lost the battle against the disease. Today, the uncertainty continues, because there is no solution to declare the planet free of the virus.
The Bible teaches us a story to ponder, no matter the circumstances, God is faithful. The life of this outstanding character, with integrity at all times, kept his faith, and believed in God. Joseph, was his name, very loved by his father, he had become the favorite son, which caused hatred among his other brothers. Jealousy and envy filled their hearts, to the point of wanting to kill him, but they sold him as a slave for twenty coins, they would never see him again, according to them. But God’s plans were different and no one imagined the power he would have in Egypt, which was where they took him. He was only seventeen, a teenager. A strange country with different customs, language, culture, and religion. Joseph did not imagine what God’s plans were, they were plans for good and not evil.
He would become the savior of a nation in times of crisis. Joseph was tempted in Egypt by a married woman and was about to agree to those sinful desires that she provoked. He did not fall into temptation, which is the key to a blessed life.
Let’s meditate on Deuteronomy 28: it speaks of blessings on Earth for those who obey and listen to the Word of God, the fruit of their womb will be blessed, the basket will be blessed, the barns will be blessed, all the work of our hands will be blessed and much more.
Deuteronomy also warns anyone who disobeys God’s voice. Everything that He blessed changes to a curse. Joseph chose the best, even in the midst of circumstances, the best thing was to obey God and not to sin. He was able to escape female seduction and that caused him to go to prison, but he did not care because his attitude and behavior did not disappoint God.
Three lessons we learn from Joseph:
- He trusted God
God was in control of Joseph’s life and had other plans for him. He cared for him even though he was sold as a slave: Genesis 37:28 and cared for him the rest of his life Genesis 45:5
- He was honest
He was a rescued man despite the suffering he experienced: Genesis 39: 21-23
- He kept his faith
He became governor of Egypt. He prepared a nation to face a famine: Genesis 41: 40-41
So, let’s not doubt that God is on our side, let’s keep our actions in righteousness. Let us always trust in Him, let us be of integrity and keep the faith. Let’s say no to temptation.
