In Search of a Faithful Conduit

“So it was, from the time that he [Potiphar] had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake . . .” Genesis 39: 5

Picture this— Joseph is in anguish. He is homesick, enslaved, and wrongfully imprisoned in a foreign country. Despite this, he remains a conscientious worker and shows no resentment. Potiphar, his owner, recognizes Joseph’s special abilities and puts him in charge of his household.  

Even in hardship, God was making Joseph a blessing to those around him! God seems to do this quite often! Why does He do that?

I cannot presume to speak for God but I know He has a heart of Love. Could it be that He is refining us in preparation for our own blessing? 

It takes a special kind of person to remain pleasant in hard times while others are receiving blessings. That person would have to have unwavering faith in his/her God knowing that his/her turn will come. That person would have to be content, not envious of other’s seemingly undeserved blessings. That person would have to be selfless, favoring the needs of others over his/her own. Such qualities are only God given!

A second reason God may use someone as a channel or conduit could be that God, who loves all equally, sees that through us, He can reach those who do not yet accept Him as omnipotent and all-loving. Through us, He may draw them into a relationship with Him. Potiphar recognized that his blessings were the result of Joseph being in his house.

Another person who had that experience was Job. Job’s friends knew that they were forgiven their rash words because Job prayed for them. 

But what if the person doesn’t recognize that we are the channels of their blessings and continues to mistreat us? That requires humility as in the case of Moses. How many times was Moses harangued by the children of Israel despite the fact that he was doing all in his power to keep them safe and fed even while they dishonored God?

These stories tell us that we have a purpose in this world. Who are we praying for that God will channel His mercy to them? Jesus says we are His messengers as “the light of the world” and His preservers as “the salt of the earth”. Matthew 5: 13, 14. 

 As God’s conduits of God’s blessings we may not always be comfortable living for others. “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him kindness. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden.” Genesis 39:21. 

May God give us the faith and trust that whatever our present trial, He will give us no more than we can bear.

Today’s Goal: To celebrate and be genuinely happy for the blessings of others even as we await our turn.