JOSEPH #28 | WAS JOSEPH A SUCCESS?

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3624

JOSEPH #28

JOSEPH #10

WAS JOSEPH A SUCCESS?

The answer depends on how one defines success.

God's success is not measured in earthly achievements, but in loving and serving God by serving others and making them prosper.

Joseph knew that his success was in obedience - being where God wanted him to be, doing what God wanted him to be doing. 

He had a difficult childhood among brothers who were filled with envy, jealousy and murderous thoughts against him. 

He spent thirteen miserable years as a slave in Egypt where there was no chance of financial prosperity. 

In fact, the unbelievers whom he served were the ones who prospered - Potiphar became wealthier, his fellow prisoners benefitted from his work in prison, the jailor's job was easier, the cupbearer was reinstated to his position in Pharaoh's court, and finally Pharaoh himself took the credit for saving his own people from starvation.

But it was Joseph who did the work, while others got the blessings - and yet it was God who got the glory.

Let's look at other examples:

1. Jesus' disciples never achieved financial success, position or possessions. But they turned the world the right side up ( Acts 17:6 ).

2. Paul spent years in jail, struggled financially, and suffered physical abuse. But he started numerous churches and wrote two-thirds of the New Testament.

3. Jesus Himself only had a public ministry that lasted 3 years, suffered the rejection of His own people, and virtually had no worldly possessions. But he changed the course of history by dying for the sins of the world in obedience to His Father.

What is our lesson for today? 

When we truly embrace servanthood, we will not mind serving God by serving others. 

Success is not measured by what we accomplish but by who we are.

In spite of our lack of family background, race, job experience, or even failures, God can work through us.

We may not end up like Joseph as a prime minister of Egypt but we can be best at whatever God called us to do.

What is your definition of success?