A few months ago I wrote a post entitled “Preparing From Where You Are” and in it we spoke about the idea of seeing your season as a time of preparation. I briefly mentioned Joseph in there, but this week I spoke to a group specifically about his story and the items we can take from it. Sometimes it is easy to brush over this familiar story, but I believe there are four very important truths that we can pull from it. Today, I will share the first two and I will post the other two on Sunday.

The story starts in Genesis 37 where we see Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers following his proclamation of the dream he had. No one can disagree, this is not an ideal place to be. However, immediately we see the first truth come to life:

1. It does not matter where you find yourself, God will show you favor!

This is seen time and time again throughout Joseph’s life, God’s favor followed him in all seasons. Let’s fast forward to Genesis 39:

1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. 5 So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.

Pay special attention to the verses 5 and 6. God provided so much favor, that even those that Joseph served were blessed. This is our next truth:

2. When you are favored, everyone around you will benefit!

When you walk in favor and God’s light, others around you will be drawn to that! His purpose of blessing you is so that you will be a blessing to others. That concept is even shown out in Psalm 67:7

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall reverently fear Him.

Your blessing will be so much, that others will take notice and fear God because of it.

God desires to bless you today and show you favor! Don’t let the lie that you must not be favored due to a season you are in take hold – God will provide and show His favor in all areas if you surrender to Him.

There is a lot more on this topic, including the final two truths, so come back Sunday to finish the story!

Question: When has God shown you favor and others took notice?