Genesis 39:2 says, “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”

This was at a time in Joseph’s life when he was serving as a slave! His own brothers had sold him into slavery and told his father he was dead. No longer the wealthy, well-dressed, favorite son, Joseph found himself on an auction block in a foreign land, stripped of everything—including his clothes.

Joseph’s rich Egyptian master, Potiphar, had all of the luxuries that came with abundant wealth, but the Bible records Joseph as being the truly prosperous one.

Material things alone are not indicative of prosperity. True prosperity is knowing that God is with you. True success is keeping God’s purpose alive in your heart despite adversity. True richness is God’s grace, anointing, and power working in your life.

Joseph had a positive outlook on life which enabled him to operate in faith. Even after being unjustly accused and thrown in prison. Joseph did not complain or become bitter at his mistreatment and abuse. In prison, Joseph served others and ministered wholeheartedly to their needs, so much so the prison warden entrusted unto him all the prisoners. “The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”—Genesis 39:23

As Joseph diligently and faithfully served, God blessed the work of his hands. As a prisoner, he did not have material wealth but he prospered spiritually and made others prosper while God was building his character. Worldly power and great material wealth were eventually to follow.

Joseph didn’t have the fullness of the Spirit promised to Christians under the NT. Consider yourself as God sees you, a prosperous person, regardless of your present circumstances. Recognize and acknowledge the fact that God is with you, that you are anointed and highly favored. Serve God and others with all your heart as unto the Lord. Eliminate murmuring and complaining. Replace negativity with praise and thankfulness, knowing God will complete what He has begun in your life.

Joseph overcame evil by doing good, even to his brothers, who had betrayed him. Joseph is one of the most Christ-like figures in the O.T. Despite being persecuted, he did not develop a “woe is me” complex. He won over his persecutors. He could have had his brothers put to death but he turned out to be the means of their salvation.

18Jed Smock, Laurie Tipton and 16 others9 Comments3 SharesLikeCommentShare