The 6 F’s of the story of Joseph
FEAR OF THE LORD
The fear of the Lord prevented Joseph from committing a sin with the wife of Potiphar. (Genesis 39:9) and later God has blessed him abundantly. The fear of the Lord will prevent us from taking wrong paths. We will lead a happy life with God.
“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
FLEE FROM TEMPTATION
Day after day, the wife of Potiphar tempted Joseph but Joseph did not succumb to the temptation, instead he ran away from it. Joseph has maintained his purity. (Genesis 39:9–12) As young people, we are called to flee from temptation and sexual immorality and live in purity.
“Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing.” 2 Timothy 2: 22
FORGIVENESS
Despite all the evil that his brothers has done to him, Joseph loved his brothers and has forgiven them. (Genesis 45:4) Just as God has forgave us, we are called to forgive those who have hurt and been unjust to us.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 32
FAITHFULNESS
Our faithfulness towards God
Joseph has remained faithful to God despite everything he had to endure. He demonstrated faithfulness to God and his master, Potiphar. Joseph was faithful in the little things and God blessed him with more influence later. (Genesis 39) We should be faithful to God in whatever circumstances we go through. In his due time, God will honor us. When we are faithful even in the little tasks God has entrusted us, he will use us in a greater way.
“A faithful man will abound in blessings” Proverbs 28:20
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” Luke 16: 10
God’s faithfulness towards us
God was faithful to Joseph and he became successful in the house of Potiphar, in prison and in the palace. God has blessed Joseph in whatever situation he was and the people he met acknowledge that God was with him (Genesis 39: 2, 21; 41:38) It is far better to be in a tough situation but having God with us than being better off without God. God is faithful to us when we obey him. He makes us prosper and successful in any circumstances. People around us will see that God is with us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of the, for the Lord your God goes with you; he never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31: 6
FULFILL OUR CALLING
Joseph was given the gift of interpreting dreams and we found that even in prison (time of trials and pain), he has used his gift and interpreted the dreams of the King’s cup bearer and baker and that of Pharaoh. Joseph then became the governor and he fulfilled his calling by saving the life of people from the famine Genesis 40, 45:5 God has blessed us with talents and gifts and he has a special calling for each one of us. Even in the midst of our storms, we should use our God-given talents and pursue our calling.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received :to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. 1 Peter 4: 10
FUTURE
God showed Joseph a clear vision of his future and God held his destiny in his hands. From the pit to the palace, God was in control of Joseph’s future. All the different paths that Joseph had to go through lead him to God’s plan at the end. God holds our future in his hands. God wants us to trust him for he knows all our days. Even if we have to face trials and hardships, God is with us and he has promised us a blessed future.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
(The Story of Joseph is found in Genesis 37–50)
