Scripture Sunday: Bloom Where You're Planted

Joseph found favor in his [Potiphar's] eyes and became his attendant.  Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.......with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Genesis 39: 4, 6 (NIV)

But while Joesph was there in the prison, 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.

Genesis 39: 20-22 (NIV)

If you have never read the story of Joseph in Genesis, I encourage you to do so, as it is an amazing story of how God used terrible circumstances to bring Joseph to the place he wanted him to be.  Last week I shared a little about how God works for the good of those who love Him & seek to honor Him.....that He has a plan for each of us.  Sometimes however, in the journey, it might feel as though we've been abandoned.  We might not understand why God is allowing us to be in the situation we're in, or better yet, we might not like the situation we're in. 

Joseph sets a great example of what to do in those situations.  You see, Joseph continued to honor God, even when it seemed as though his family & God had abandoned him.......even if he felt discouraged (which I'm sure at times he did!).  When sold by his brothers into slavery & taken to Egypt, he still worked with all of his might.......he put forth all of his effort.........he BLOOMED WHERE HE WAS PLANTED.  In return, God showed him favor.  I'm sure at that time, he was feeling a little better about things, but then something happened.........Potiphar's wife wrongly accused Joseph and he was sent to prison!  Talk about another blow!  But even in prison, Joseph continued to honor God, and in return, he was given a position of authority in prison.  Eventually, Joseph was released from prison and made 2nd in command in all of Egypt!

You may be in a discouraging situation........you might be feeling abandoned...........or perhaps you just feel kinda lost, unsure of what your purpose is.................but just like with Joseph, if we will make the most of the situation by continuing to honor God in all we do, by BLOOMING WHERE WE'RE PLANTED, God will honor us in return and will continue to work out His plan and purpose for us.

A couple more scripture to leave you with:

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might........

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.....
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)