Favor in Spite of

Genesis 39:2(NIV) The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

Joseph was the youngest of 12 siblings, in Genesis chapter 37, it tells us he was a dreamer, He had a dream that one day he would be in a position of prominence, so prominent that his brothers would one day bow down to him. I do not believe Joseph just dreamed that up, I believe God gave him that vision that dream, that glimpse at what his destiny would be. He told his brothers about his dream, as a result of that his brothers became haters. In verse 20 they saw him coming one day and they said here comes this dreamer, let’s kill him, we will see what becomes of his dreams. Instead of killing him, they decided to sell him to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt, and sold him to Potiphar as a slave. Potiphar had him thrown in prison because based on false accusations. Ultimately he ended up interpreting pharaoh’s dream and becoming prime minister of Egypt, the 2nd most powerful man in the nation.

But prior to that he had 17 years where he was hated, lied on, mistreated, and forgotten. Joseph could have very easily become bitter, angry and resentful, because so many unfair things had happen to him, but he didn’t. Because of his love for God , his faith in God and his determination to serve God no matter where he was or what life threw at him, he became a blessing to everyone he came in contact with.

Maybe life hasn’t been fair to you; maybe you have been hated, lied on, mistreated, abused and forgotten. Maybe life for you has been broken promises, bad relationships, sickness, pain, financial hardship and misery, difficult marriage, a job you don’t like, your dreams haven’t come to pass.

I want you to remember this, Gods favor on Joseph life was not impacted by where Joseph was, or what was going on in his life. God was always with Joseph. Say this with me “Gods favor and purpose in my life, are not impacted by my circumstances or environment”

I want you to notice God at work in Joseph’s life and know that he is at work the same way in your life.

Notice the phase that keeps being repeated, in the bible about Gods relationship with Joseph. And the Lord was with Joseph. Even after he was sold by his brother “the Lord was with him”. Even after he became Potiphar’s slave” the Lord was with him”. Even after he was falsely accused. ” the Lord was with him” Even after he was thrown in Prison”, “The Lord was with him”. That is divine favor no matter where you are. God used Joseph to his glory in the midst of unfavorable, unfair and difficult circumstances.

Life might be tough for you, it might be unfair, you might be at a crisis or at the end of your rope, but lift your head up, pick your chin up off the floor and realize God favor is still at work in your life. 2 Corinthians 4:8 says we are troubled on every side, (now watch God favor) “yet not distressed”, we are perplexed (Watch it again)” but not in despair”. Persecuted, (Here is favor) but not forsaken, struck down, (Favor) but not destroyed.

Whatever is going on in your life, God is with you, Romans 8:38-39 says, for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I want you to know today no matter where you are, no matter what you are going through, where ever you are in life; God’s favor is on and in your life. Your circumstances do not define you; your environment does not define you. Your haters do not define you; sickness sorrow and heartache do not define you. You are defined by the Word of God that says you are more than a conqueror through him who loves you.

I have a word for your today Whatever your circumstance, whatever your difficulties. You will not just survive, if you realize God is with you and his favor is on your life, you will thrive. You will prosper despite every difficulty that may come my way. I want you to know every setback is a setup for a comeback. You will not get stagnant, give up on your dreams, or settle where you are. One touch of God’s favor has changed everything. You are ready for a year of blessings and a year of thriving.