God is With Us

Today's bible reading spoke to my heart. It underscores the story of Joseph and how even though numerous attempts came to derail him from God's plan and purpose, he stayed the course.
Scripture:
GENESIS 39:2
"The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered..." (NIV)
"The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man..." (NASB)

Observation:
The life of Joseph may not seem to appear to be successful or prosperous. This of course depends upon how and when you view his life. If you see the big picture and catch the whole story - especially the ending you realize that Joseph is a success. But if you drop in on a day he is being sold into slavery, being tempted or falsely accused by Potiphar's wife or numerous other struggles you might conclude that the Lord was not with him. We can do this with our lives too. Look at the moment or the immediate challenge only to forget that if God is with us we will prosper. Our enemies may strip us of what appears to be outward success; but wisdom and grace cannot be taken from us. Life may come against us at times like a storm - but cannot take from us the presence of the Lord. and we must embrace the purpose of God in our hearts and lives. As in Joseph's case, he was robbed of liberty, and confined in dungeons; but they could not shut out his communion with God, nor exempt him from grace. This reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul;
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (NIV)
Romans 8: 38 & 39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
Joseph possessed this truth in his heart and it allowed him to live blessed, even in the house where he was a slave.
APPLICATION:
God's presence with us, makes all we do prosperous. Look for His hand and His presence and to not deny His power - the Lord is with you and you will prosper. May we focus on the big picture regardless of the season we are on and recognize our God's presence provides success.
Prayer:
God, May we all never miss the fact that you are with us. Your presence is our palace, your presence is our peace and power. We welcome your touch in our lives and ask you to give us the power to follow after you and your purpose in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God is with YOU!