Drastic Decisions

One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Gen 39:11-12 (NLT)

Reading the story of Joseph especially after he was sold to slave traders, shows what an incredible man of God he was. In his situation he deserved the right to be a disgruntled teenager and maybe do whatever he wanted, but he wasn’t like that at all.

His father – Jacob, definitely did something right with him from a young age, as Joseph knew the God of his father. He was loved by his father and losing his mother at a tender age, must have meant he spent a lot of time with him. His father most likely imparted some knowledge and wisdom into him. Because we see a young man in his teens living a godly life among ungodly people.

His encounter with Potiphar’s wife, gives us a glimpse into his thinking. He initially tried to explain to her why her request was wrong. He said, “…How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” When she didn’t relent, the Bible says he tried staying out of her way and then when she tried forcing herself on him, he ran.

Joseph wasn’t ignorant, carefree or just going along with the flow. Instead, he was deliberate in the way he behaved and when required, he made drastic decisions that led to drastic actions.

As Christians we are called to be like Joseph. The Bible warns us to be alert, to flee youthful lust and Christ calls us to carry our cross and follow him. All these are drastic decisions we are required to make daily. The Christian life is not an easy one and at the same time it is not one we can live out of our own power. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” Zachariah 4:6 (NKJV).

We need to be alert to the spirit of God. His nudging to things in our lives or surroundings that can hinder God’s blessings and growth in us. Some of the things that will be brought to our attention might be easy to deal with. Others might require drastic decisions and actions before any progress can be made. These decisions don’t necessarily have to be related to sin or bad habits. It might be a lifestyle, career, or personal development change.

Also, some of these decisions might not pay-off straightaway, but neither did Joseph’s decision. He fled, left his clothes, and was imprisoned. Eventually, the prison led to the palace and God used him greatly, not only to save Egypt but far beyond including his family.

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. Mark 10:28-30 (NLT).

Are there any drastic decisions required of you today? I know I have some to deal with.

Stay blessed,

Lara