I never cease to be amazed by Joseph whenever I read that Bible story. Many people have curled up and gone into self-pity for a lot less than what Joseph had to deal with.

I am always impressed that no matter where Joseph ended up, God was always with him and made Joseph prosper in his work. God is always with all of us, but most of us don't listen to Him so He is unable to make us prosper in our work.

When the Bible says Joseph prospered, that means Joseph did his job so well and so thoroughly that there was very little trouble and Joseph's bosses enjoyed the results of his work. Joseph didn't become wealthy working for Potiphar. Potiphar trusted Joseph with all that he owned, but Joseph didn't own it, Joseph was still a servant to Potiphar. The Bible says that “the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in house and field.” In fact Joseph's life took a downward turn. He landed in prison. The Bible tells us that God was with him there also and that Joseph prospered. He was put in charge of the workings of the prison. But he also was a servant to the chief baker and chief cupbearer, when they found themselves landing in prison also. Yet in all of this, Joseph never complained. He did his best in his work and remained close to God. Joseph was so close to God that he was able to correctly interpret dreams.

One of the other things that really stand out in this story is Joseph's humility. Every time that he is asked to interpret a dream, he doesn't just say, “Sure, tell me the dream. Instead he always gives God the credit for the interpretations. With the two in jail, Joseph reminds them that the interpretations belong to God. When he comes before Pharaoh he says, “It is not in me, but God can give the interpretations.” Joseph never lost sight of Who was working through him to tell these men the interpretations, and he made sure these men would also know Who the interpretations came from.

Wherever we find ourselves, whatever our position is, God expects us to do our best. He can work through us if we have the attitude to be happy where we are and to do our jobs the best we can. And always, always give the credit to God for any talent you have. Don't use it to impress others with the hopes of moving up the ladder in your job, or in the social realm. Just humbly do what you're suppose to do and recognize Who makes it possible for you to do so well at what you're doing. It's what Joseph did and look how much God was able to use him!