DCLM Higher Everyday 28 February 2024 — Trained for Tough Times
Topic: Trained for Tough Times
Text: Genesis 39:1-9
1And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
3And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4And Joseph found grace 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.
5And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
6And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
7And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
8But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
9There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Key Verse: “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me” (Genesis 39:7).
Message
Many young Christians think that because one is born again everything would be easy. Being over confident, they do not prepare against temptations. Such youths fall so easily that they get angry with themselves and hide from believers. Temptation is common to all, but falling is not an option. Joseph in our Bible text of today was a rugged youth – strong in the spirit, mind and body. He had no Bible, yet tough spiritually enough to resist and overcome the immoral advances of Potiphar’s wife. Whatever training he received at home he applied in Egypt to be more than a conqueror.
Friend, are you trained for tough times? When you attend special Christian youth programmes, regular Church fellowships or participate in family devotions, you are being trained for tough times. At such times, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16). Are you allowing your parents to train you as a child in the way you should go? Your future spiritual stability depends on your present spiritual nourishment. So feed well to become a high flier.
Quote: He had no Bible yet tough spiritually
Challenge: Get tough by prayer and God’s Word. ones in obedience of faith?
Prayer for today: Holy Father, make me a tough Christian in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
