"The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."
(Genesis 39:21-23)
Circumstances can occur beyond our control, but our hearts must be able to overcome any situation. Believe that victory will come. Let us learn from the story of Joseph. Though he was imprisoned, he was able to endure and guard his heart.
"Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison,?the place where the king’s prisoners were confined." (Genesis 39:20)
Regardless our status and wealth, our soul can be imprisoned.
Joseph was imprisoned because he was slandered and had no chance to defend himself. But he wasn’t disappointed. How could Joseph remain so calm? Because he had a secure relationship with God. For Joseph, the only audience in his life is God.
Fix our eyes upon Lord Jesus, not to men who are nothing but dust. Live our lives for God, then we will be safe in God's presence. Keep on doing what we have to do, yet be selective, don’t overthink about something. Don't try to play God. Surrender to God, and keep on doing our part.
How to be victorious in the “prison of soul”?
- Find the HOPE in front of you
The window to our soul is our vision and hope. Don't be hopeless, but find something that can motivate and provide hope in the future. - Love your job
If you lose the job you love, your hands can still work. There must be something to be worked on and find it out. Learn to love any work/job you can do. Delight in prayers. Joseph turned from a worker in Potiphar’s house to be a prisoner, but he never complained and still worked earnestly. - Love the people around you.
Love never fails, and God never fails those who love Him. Joseph served all the prisoners with love, also put his heart and mind into whatever he did. One of them was the cupbearer who finally helped Joseph out of the prison by interpreting the dream. Although he once was forgotten, Joseph eventually became the ruler of Egypt.
Excerpted from Ps. Philip Mantofa's Sermon, 02 May 2020, Youtube & Instagram Live
https://youtu.be/dhZG39ZUbyU
