DOING EVERYTHING FOR GOD'S GLORY

When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and became a servant to Potiphar and his family, he did not lose hope because he trusted in God. Through his faith in God, he became the best slave in Potiphar's house. He served Potiphar with integrity and to the best of his abilities. Although he'd rather be free and back with his family, he served very well. Genesis 39:2-3 says, "The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did." Potiphar promoted him as his personal servant. Joseph was in charge of Potiphar's entire household and everything he owned. It would have been easy for Joseph to be depressed and possibly have resentment towards God because of what happened to him. At this time, he was a slave for the rest of his life. However, he did not have any negative feelings because he trusted God and lived for God moment by moment. He never lost sight of the goodness and the greatness of God in his situation. He believed that no matter what happened to Him, God would take care of Him; as a result, he was able to become the best he could be to accomplish any task that was given to him. Everything that God was leading him to do was the preparation for his coming position as the second-highest-ranking official of the Egyptian empire, and he saved millions of people from the severe famine that was to come (Genesis 39). 

We need to be the best that we can be in the places where God has us for the moment. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I remember when I had a job at my church cleaning toilets. At first, I complained, and my heart wasn't in it. However, God changed my perspective. Since then, I have done my best to clean the toilets, even though they were dirty and smelly. God used that experience to prepare my heart and attitude for serving Him in ministry. Whatever we are at this moment, whether we are students, working for a company, or working at home, let us do everything to honor God, even when we do not like what we are doing. Joseph did his best as a slave to Potiphar, and he didn't realize that God was using his situation to prepare him for something that He never expected. 

We should always give our best in doing our job for God, for we do not know what He is preparing us for. God has our future in His hands, and He is always preparing us to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should be my attitude in my current position, even when I am not happy? Why is it important for me to do my best all the time? What lesson is God teaching me through today's devotion? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please help me to do my best in my current situation. May everything that I do honor you. Do not let negativity and discontentment rule my heart, but be always hopeful that you have a better plan and future for me. Please help me to trust you and fix my eyes on you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.