GOD'S GRACE FIRST ......

"And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace (favor,acceptance) in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand." Genesis 39:2-4 (KJV)


Joseph already had God’s GRACE upon his life before he found FAVOR in Potipher’s eyes. In other words, Potipher didn't make Joseph great. God was already prospering Joseph and Potipher took note of it and may have thought... Hmmmm maybe some of this blessing will fall on me when I promote Joseph (something to think about). God will use men who do not know Him to further bless his children.

Are you looking for FAVOR with your boss, your family, friends? When you seek God's face first - then FAVOR will find you. GRACE is God's gift to us as believers. It's his divine influence upon our hearts reflected in our lives. FAVOR, in my opinion and much study is the reward or benefit of the already existing GRACE. Joseph, who had been sold into captivity by his own brothers never allowed unforgiveness or bitterness to disqualify him from experiencing God’s blessing in his life nor future FAVOR from men.

As a result, Potipher recognized the presence of God in Joseph. He discerned the character of God in this young man. FAVOR resulted with a promotion for Joseph and complete trust with Potipher and authority over everything Potipher owned. Now, the blessing of God was upon all that Potipher owned, even the outside fields (Gen.39:5). Just think of this.... when God's FAVOR rests upon "you," His blessing now affects your sphere of influence; workplace, family, friends, etc. You are affecting those around you just because you are highly FAVORED of God.

Can people tell you are GRACED by God? Is it evident to those around you that the Lord is prospering/blessing you? How does your character reflect Christ? Because of His GRACE, we can live in expectation of receiving the FAVOR of God and men every day of our lives IF WE ARE CARRIERS OF GOD'S GRACE. I say "IF" because not everyone who is a Believer enjoys the GRACE of God.

As I said earlier, GRACE is God's gift to you and me. He desires that you open that gift of GRACE every day experiencing His divine influence upon your heart. Think of this - what if you gave someone a gift that would benefit them greatly, but they never opened it. Similarly, if you don't open the gift of GRACE from God - you may be toiling - stressing for something that could easily fall into your hand if only you rested in God's GRACE. Joseph may have had some hardships, but He never forgot who loved him. He never forgot the God who gave him dreams about his future. In spite of his circumstances, he believed God was for him and would not abandon him. He knew in time God would redeem all that had been taken from him. And Joseph was not disappointed.

Remember, the famous line of Joseph to his brothers when he revealed his identity -
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" Genesis 50:20.

If you are lacking FAVOR with men, first of all.... do you know God? Confess your sin (Romans 3:23) and invite Jesus to come live in you and through you. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you. Invite the the Holy Spirit to flood your heart with God's GRACE and expectation of FAVOR to be extended to you on every side. Don't allow the hardships of life to sour you and cause a root of bitterness to grow in you. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one misses the GRACE of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." This will cause you to miss the bountiful blessings the Lord has reserved for you. Even Jesus our Lord grew in wisdom and stature (maturity), and in FAVOR with God and men (Luke 2:52).

This is my prayer for you today. As Joseph and Jesus grew in the FAVOR with God and men - may the same be said of You.