Find the Way to Persevere

            

 Joseph was thirty years old when he became governor of Egypt, second in command to the king. That was a miraculous achievement for a young Hebrew who came to Egypt as a slave, who spent time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. When confronted with adversity, he instinctively found practical uses for the gifts and talents God assigned to him.  

 

 What gave Joseph encouragement and confidence when confronted with adversity and hardships were God’s assuring gifts of faith and hope. When we accept adversity as a part of life that can be survived, our self-confidence is enhanced. A healthy self-esteem assures you that you can manage the ordeals life hurls your way.



The assurance adversity provides is that with God’s help you will know you are never forsaken or abandoned by him. Isaiah 30:20 promises, "Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction," he will be present to make a way for you to persevere. Adversity provides insight on how to live your life by faith.    

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You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.

~Psalm 27:1 Contemporary English Version  

But even when I am afraid, I keep on trusting you.

~Psalm 56:3 Contemporary English Version

Facing Darkness in God's Light

When Joseph arrived in Egypt as a slave, his future looked dark and scary. It's difficult to imagine what life as a slave would have been like four thousand years ago. Joseph had to adapt to a new language, a different culture and strange religious practices. Joseph was a healthy teenager, so a person of prominence saw him as a good buy.

 

          Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and captain of his bodyguards, purchased Joseph to serve in his home. Genesis 39:2 states factually that "The Lord greatly blessed Joseph in the home of Potiphar so everything he did was a success.” God is with us especially in the darkest days of abandonment and despair.

          God's word does not indicate Joseph became angry and blamed God for his troubles. The fact that God chose to bless Joseph demonstrates God’s faithfulness as he settled into life as a slave. Regardless of what you’re facing, trust God's continual presence and be encouraged by the goodness he provides each day.  

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one.

The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

~Psalm 27:1 Good News Bible