Turning the Unexpected into an Advantage

08. Mar, 2011 0 Comments

Life had taken an unexpected turn. He was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Ten to one is hard to overcome. His hands were tied. Joseph watched as his brothers negotiated a price. Money exchanged hands and he was on his way to Egypt. Each step he took led him away from the familiar comforts of home.

Everything was different now. Smells. Stares. Skeptical buyers looking to get the best deal. Joseph watched as the buyers picked over the goods. Countless eyes studied his features sizing up what he was worth. He was in no position to barter. He was for sale.

Something about Joseph caught the eye of Potiphar. A healthy bright Hebrew didn’t come to market often. The Captain of Pharaoh’s Guard didn’t pass up the opportunity. He bought Joseph and brought him home.

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned…So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.? Genesis 39:2-6

These verses captivate me. I would expect to read, “And Joseph looked for every opportunity to escape…” Instead we find Joseph running the affairs of Potiphar’s house. He could have taken to running but chose to be trustworthy. Anger toward his brothers would have come naturally. Bitterness toward the one who bought him, justified. But Joseph chose to trust God in the middle of difficult circumstances.

I find it significant that Joseph gave his best even when his hands were tied. He chose to be faithful in the little things, and God blessed him. He made the best of difficult circumstances with a heart of a servant and became a leader.

Every leader will face situations when they feel like their hands are tied. We all deal with unexpected turn of events that leave us feeling blind-sided. Joseph refused to self-destruct, and turned the unexpected to his advantage.

Joseph turned the unexpected to his advantage by:

Refusing to place blame. Joseph did not allow himself to live in the world of, “I don’t deserve this!” He could have chosen to blame God and his brothers. Instead he chose to trust God despite.

Choosing to make others successful. Everything in Joseph could have screamed, “This is not fair!” He could have chosen to sulk his life away in self-absorbed misery. Instead he chose to make his boss a success. He gave his best and was faithful.

Overcoming the Challenge. Joseph didn’t stay at the bottom. He put his God-given gifts to work. He knew he had much to offer and willingly applied himself to the tasks he was given.

You may find yourself outnumbered and outmaneuvered. What you expected to find may suddenly lead you down an unfamiliar path where you feel like your hands are tied. In those moments, remember that just like Joseph, you get to choose your response.