As the rain and snow

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,.. was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.  The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.^‘ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”^‘ The devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory,.. I give it to whom I will. If you will worship me, it will all be yours.^‘ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,’

“and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up…’

“Jesus answered him, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.^“‘ And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.” Luke 4:1-14a

It’s hard to imagine the intensity of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness. Forty arid days without comforts of food, shelter, or human company. Blistering sun by darkest night, nearly a thousand hours of mental wrangling and physical deprivation left undescribed. After almost six weeks of agonizing wrestling, the captain of cruelty taunted aloud the Messiah’s hunger, authority, and supremacy. Accompanied mysteriously by ministering angels and filled with the Spirit of God, He refused each temptation with pure resolve and the Word. (Mark 1:12-13)

We will never be tempted in the same manner as our Savior, but we can learn from His consistent denial of flesh and devotion to obedience. As fully man, He suffered to the utmost, and as fully God, He had every right and ability to exercise His power. Filled with the Spirit far greater than the devil, He kept His eyes on His higher will. (2 Kings 6:16; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 4:4)

Every day we enter a spiritual battlefield. Is it a wilderness of emotional hunger, shame, insecurity, relational deprivation? Is it a fight against lust, rage, resentment, unforgiveness, hatred? It might be the constant strain of debilitating pain or disease, or loved ones broken and lost. (Ephesians 6:12; Luke 4:28-29)

The Spirit leads in the wilderness, fights for us, and lifts our heads. We’re armed with His Word, His promises and character our sure defense. Angels encamp around us to minister to our needs. How do these realities prepare us for the devil’s wiles? (Psalm 3:3; 139:5-12; Ephesians 6:13-18; Hebrews 1:14)

When do we steep ourselves in the Word, and familiarize ourselves with the enemy’s strategies, and available armor? How carefully do we avoid obvious temptation, and discern the less obvious? Christ’s victory can be ours as we stand in His resurrection power.

Lord, encourage and equip me to withstand temptation in Your strength, for Your honor.

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
    and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

“He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father…’ Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.'” Luke 3:1-9

Dr. Luke’s recording of Scripture was as exact as his mind thought. He pinpointed the civil and religious and chronological setting as a backdrop for the onset of John’s unique ministry and announcement. As John received word from God three decades into his life, so he promptly proclaimed the prophetic message: ‘Repent, prepare for the Lord, bear fruit.’ Knowing well the terrain of location and logic, he would do what he could to deflect all attention to Jesus and make the path straight for His life-changing salvation. (Luke 3:15-17; John 1:6-8,19-29)

We all live in a specific day and time, planted when and where we are to know the Lord and make Him known. We also dwell in a cultural wilderness, an alien temporary home as we await our heavenly one. It is exactly here that we are called to be a voice, to announce Jesus’s forgiveness and urge works exemplifying salvation. All results for ourselves and our hearers are up to the Holy Spirit, we must simply do our part. (Luke 3:18-20; Acts 17:26-28)

Where has the Lord planted us at present? What family with varying ages and opinions and needs? What neighborhood, workplace, community with their attending structural and relational issues? Are we in a wilderness of health, marriage, or inspiration? What tensions, anxieties, temptations darken the atmosphere around us? How is the word of the Lord coming through as light in the very place we’re situated?

When we tune in to God’s voice above the clamor, what is His message to us? DO we look and listen until we know what He’s saying? What promises encourage and fortify, what commands goad action? How attentive and prompt are we as the Lord speaks to do what He says? In our time and place, where, how, and to whom are we preparing the way for salvation? (Esther 4:14; Isaiah 33:6)

Lord, help me understand the times and my call, and faithfully serve and speak to Your bidding and glory.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:1-5,9-12

A people not God’s become His, called into light and a royal name, standing, and inheritance. Chosen by Him, recipients of mercy and imparted holiness, the challenge is to mature as living stones in nature dark world. The priestly path in the battle of flesh requires put-aways and partaking that honor the Lord. The ugly stain of selfish mistreatment of others can be washed away by pure spiritual milk, and continual feeding on the Lord nurtures selflessness and surrender that honor Him.

To keep conduct honorable as the Lord’s representatives on earth is a constant challenge. What is true is not always easy or simple to live out in the frenetic pace and sinister passions of the culture. Ours is both a certain choosing and a constant calling to be holy. As living stones being built up, we must be vigilant about coming to Christ, tasting His goodness, offering ourselves in acceptable worship, and willfully abstaining from the allures of flesh. Keeping requires constant watching and tending. (Romans 12:1-3)

Once we were not, but now we are, and that should make a sobering difference in daily choices. What does being chosen as God’s possession and part of a holy nation inspire? Have we grown complacent in devotion or stagnant in spiritual growth? If so, would we ask Him for greater thirst for the pure spiritual nourishment of His word, and hone a hatred of sin that entangles, distracts, and chokes out the fruit of salvation? If we are not passionate about growing in holiness, it’s vital to uncover why and take His remedy. (Hebrews 12:1)

What do we need to name as sin and put away? Have we become so calcified in friendship with the world, ungodly attitudes, or isolation that we no longer recognize their affront to holy God? What will we do to reenter His light so He can expose those areas we hold off-limits, and give fresh vision of His excellencies? (1 John 2:15-16)

Lord, may I daily recite Your mercies and grow in holiness, and so live among others that they see Your virtues, to Your glory.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge… so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5,7-8

“The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
    but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:13-14

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25

The apostles knew what it was to be sustained because they knew the Sustainer. Having learned from Jesus himself, they were aware of resurrection power fueling life here on earth, as well as that righteous power to keep them faultless to the end. They knew the Source of life and strength, and were indwelt by the ever-present Spirit who gave them understanding and the will to apply. Their confidence in Christ’s finished work fortified the daily life of faith. (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:9-12)

Temptations and snares constantly threaten us. The prince of this world cannot have our souls, so he relentlessly connives with tricks of darkness and gale-force storms to make us fall, hard. The Christian is called to thank God always for His grace, steady enriching, and strong keeping that help us stand strong and endure to the end. In every slip and stumble, we must hold to His promise that imparts and sustains our righteousness. Only Jesus faced every temptation and remained faultless, yet He is our ever present help. (Psalm 46:1-3; Hebrews 4:15-16)

In what particular areas do I feel pushed? What hard circumstances, rejection, or opposition tempt me to give up, lash out, or give in? How can I more expressly delight in Christ’s victory and endure in His ability? The hope of future joy goads, inspires, and fortifies. Lamentations 3:22-23

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.” ~Edwards Mote (1834)

Lord, help me stand firm in You and keep the faith all my days, to the praise of Your dominion and glory.

“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And [Paul] went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath…

“After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila…  They came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews… When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, ‘I will return to you if God wills,’ and he set sail from Ephesus.

“A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:1-4,18-19,24-26

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house.” Romans 16:3-5a

Against the backdrop of unforeseen and likely unwanted circumstances, Priscilla and Aquila burn bright with the love of Christ. Displaced by Roman authority to Corinth, they became well acquainted with Paul there and joined in on Christ’s mission. Industrious as nomad tent-makers, and flexible by faith, they made the most of every place the Lord planted them. In Ephesus they came alongside and nurtured Apollos, who then embarked on effective ministry building churches. They made disciples while hosting a church in their home, and likely participated in saving Paul’s life during a riot in the city. Their life on fire for the gospel and hearty Christian love encouraged and supported churches throughout area. (Acts 18:27-28; 19:28-31; 1 Corinthians 3:5-6; 16:19)

When we come to Christ, we do not know how and where He will use us. Once the Lord Jesus sets our souls on fire, and we cooperate with His Spirit by opening our home, voice, and schedule, there is no limit to what He can do. He plants, moves, uses as He intends to build His kingdom.

God calls some to home or local ministry, some to wider, even world-wide influence. Different life seasons may dictate location and method. How available are we for the portion of divine work to be done? Where has He placed us at present? It’s our responsibility to surrender and obey, and His to cause growth. (1 Corinthians 3:7-13)

Have we self-imposed parameters around where and how we’ll serve? Might the Lord broaden our boundaries to expand His work, develop vision, faith, or skills, demote our pride, or teach greater trust? Where have we, out of fear, stubbornness, insecurity, or selfish insistence, limited needed, effective ministry to others?

Lord, ignite me by Your Spirit for Your will and mission, that I burn bright for Your glory.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you,.. that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught…

“The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,.. and of his kingdom there will be no end…

“’The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'” Luke 1:1-4,30-33,35

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.., so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ…

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit…

“ I write these things to you who believe.., that you may know that you have eternal life…. We know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,13; 5:13,19-20

The Holy Spirit inspired the minds and pens of every scripture writer. They knew they were recording God’s truth to be proclaimed, and that it was the living word that would convince of its own verity and power. The Lord revealed Himself so people could be sure He is who He says He is and that He loves and saves like none other. (John 14:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Holy Spirit confirms with our spirit what is true. Am I sure that Christ died for me so I could live, that He paid the penalty for my sin so I never need carry its burden of guilt and shame again? Am I convinced of my eternal standing, owning not just a wish but certain hope of eternal salvation? If I’m not, what doubts hold me back? Any trust in self over the finished work of Christ, or in popular worldly mantras over the word of Christ, breeds uncertainty and insecurity. (Romans 8:16)

Who in my sphere of influence needs assurance in life and death? How is the Lord inspiring me to speak His truth to them, and when will I? How diligently am I praying for them, and taking opportunities He gives? The more we’re established in faith, the more motivated we are to make Christ known.

Father, keep me steadfast, sure, and eagerly assuring others.

“And Mary said:

‘My soul glorifies the Lord
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
   for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful…’

“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy…

“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us…
  to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
   the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
   in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.'” Luke 1:46-54,57-58,67-69a,72-79

From eternal design to foreshadowing to announcement of His birth to His death and resurrection, mercy thrums a steady beat in the gift of Jesus. Mary received the angel Gabriel’s message as an extension of her God’s mercy, and Zechariah knew that it was for the sake of God’s mercy his son John was born and would proclaim the message of salvation’s peace. God’s great love for His people works continually to express His heart of mercy, free for the taking. (Genesis 3:6-13,21; Isaiah 53:4-6,10)

As recipients of this mercy, we must never forget and always proceed in His gracious gift. Humbling ourselves before the majesty of God and exquisite expression of His mercy to us in Christ, we will fall on our knees in wonder and gratitude. Being filled, we enjoy it with thanksgiving and spill it out, passing it on to generations.

Have we received His astounding mercy to us, secured in His salvation? How have we been transformed by it? In what specific ways are we planting love’s beauties around us, and showing mercy as we have been shown? What individuals or situations need God’s gift of fresh mercy this day, and what part will we take in making introduction or serving as a conduit? (Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 5:7; Romans 9:15; Philippians 2:2–11).

Lord, grateful for Your gift, may I generously abound in mercy to others.

“Though they wished to dispute with him,
    they could not answer him one time out of a thousand.
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.
    Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
He moves mountains without their knowing it
    and overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth from its place
    and makes its pillars tremble.
He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
    he seals off the light of the stars.
He alone stretches out the heavens
    and treads on the waves of the sea.
He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
    miracles that cannot be counted.
When he passes me, I cannot see him;
    when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.
If he snatches away, who can stop him?
    Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’” Job 9:3-12

After his ‘friend’ Bildad told him his misery was due to unconfessed sin and he should repent, Job replied with a defense of God. Though His ways were confounding, there was no contending with His wisdom and power. He alone made and moved and upheld the universe, and His ways with creation and creatures could not be fathomed. Job, suffering as he was, would be content with knowing that his God was sovereign and would do what He would do for His mysterious, wonderful reasons. (Job 8:1-6)

It is unredeemed human nature to want to contend with God. We plan and push to get our way, and He interrupts to change direction. We set schedules and work with impatience, only to find His timing is not ours. We desire good things and grow frustrated when they are not fulfilled. We think we’ve ordered our lives and raised our children wisely and get crushed by rebellion, stunning news, or a harrowing diagnosis. The flesh shakes its fist, the mind wrestles and reasons, the spirit asks why and how long. But the soul can be at rest and content, because God reigns from His unshakeable throne.

Have we been wrongly accused? Rejected, turned away, dismissed, turned down? How are we suffering in body or soul? People might castigate from haughtiness, or blame out of self-righteousness, supposing they can arbitrate with and control evils that befall man. But the Lord knows the way we take, and is always on our side working His good, even when we cannot see. Let us hush, wonder, and choose peace. (Job 23:10; Romans 8:28-39)

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.” ~Horatio Spafford (1873)

Lord, in every darkness, help me rest content in Your constant light.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not… must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them…

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. None of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord…

“Why do you judge your brother or sister or… treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat… [and] give an account of ourselves to God.

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.” Romans 14:1-3,5-8,10,12-15

Paul gives a spiritual reset for the Roman saints who get tripped up over dietary restrictions. The former strict Pharisee, transformed by Christ’s redeeming grace, describes how to live out the Christian life in genuine, generous love as he zeroes in on persnickety eating and judging habits. They might think they’re doing things right but still be caught in manmade rules and attitudes of superiority and condescension. If they were truly, wholeheartedly living for Christ, they would be loving their fellow believers well. (Romans 1:7; 12:3-13)

How easily the self-righteous fall into self-centeredness! It is Satan’s ruse to muddy the understanding, experience, and exercise of freedom that salvation imparts. How we treat God’s children is a clear indication of how surrendered we are to the Savior. Whether we’re living for Him or ourselves, espouse His dictates or our own, we will answer to the true Master. Looking down on others in judgment for their conscience-led decisions smacks of pride from which Jesus freed us. (Romans 12:1-2)

What do attitudes toward and treatment of fellow believers reveal about our own hearts for Jesus? Does insecurity, ingrained but unconfessed sin, callousness, or arrogance drive our condemnatory spirit? Do we castigate others’ faith while neglecting to tend to our own?

Do we measure others’ behavior by personal standards and preferences, or by God’s word and grace? Do we impose our convictions and expectations, or humbly pray for and respect theirs? How can we turn from a critical, judgmental mindset to one smothered in God’s love? Honestly assessing our attitudes and words will uncover wrong thinking and free us to love rightly. (Romans 14:17-15:3)

Lord, may I fully surrender to living and loving for You and Your sake, to the church’s strengthening and Your glory.

“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” Genesis 39:1-6a

Joseph could not have been happy about his brothers’ cruel and unfair treatment, or being sold to Ishmaelite traders and transported to Egypt. But he knew and served his God even after being bought by one of Pharoah’s officers as a slave. The Lord gave him such success that Potiphar took note and elevated him in his household. What Joseph’s brothers had meant for evil God was using, in His long, broad plan, for the good of many. His plan would flourish under and through this rejected, displaced servant who chose to honor God and serve His purposes wherever he was. (Genesis 37:18-28; 39:23; 41:50-52; 50:19-21)

There are opportunities every day to rest in and exercise the Lord’s presence. We interact, work, organize, purchase, recreate, often without considerable friction, subconsciously counting on His favor. Our pleasure and success may seem to others to come by our own hand.

But when circumstances go against us, and taunt with temptation to get angry, blame God, and turn our backs, He might be perfectly positioning us to stand out and make Him obvious. Continued dependence on and trust in Him during the most challenging times will fortify our resolve and brighten our witness.

How steadily do we remain faithful to the Lord when all else goes against us? How might the backdrop of dark times allow a brilliant confidence in Him to shine to those watching? What about our spirit, countenance, interest in or treatment of others reflects the Lord’s nature? How can we cultivate wisdom, love, and grace in Him, so those who do not know God recognize His presence? When we get out of the way, and go about duties with His excellence and zeal, the Lord Jesus becomes obvious, His favor and handiwork evident. What better way to show Him off and make Him known to a needy world? (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15-16)

‘I am with you,’ I hear Him say,
‘To walk beside you day by day.
To fill you with wisdom, hope, and good,
To keep and guide you as you should

‘Walk before Me, and serve others
To bring them favor, love your brothers.
The closer you follow and trust they’ll see
It is not you, but always Me.’ (PEB)

Lord, make me faithful, so steady obedience and faithful service proclaim Your excellencies and make obvious Your favor and glory. (1 Peter 2:9)