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Give Him All the Glory
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
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Joseph had some difficult times in his early years. His brothers tried to kill him and then sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites, in turn, sold him as a slave to Potiphar who was one of Pharaoh's officials. Joseph was then falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown in prison where he sat for several years - things definitely weren't going very well.
Then one day Joseph got his opportunity to make a change. Pharaoh had some dreams that bothered him greatly. But when he sent for the wise men of Egypt, no one could help: "Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him." (Genesis 41:8). Pharaoh was told of a young Hebrew slave who was in prison, but had demonstrated a unique ability to interpret dreams.
Pharaoh quickly summoned Joseph from the dungeon: "I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." (Genesis 41:15).
This was his big chance - his opportunity to take matters into his own hands and shape his circumstances. He certainly deserved a break. And after all, doesn't God help those who help themselves?
Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest misquotes of the Bible - and a shameful misrepresentation of God. It's much more accurate to say God helps those who diligently seek Him and faithfully follow where He leads.
Joseph could have used this opportunity to bring glory and honor to himself. But He had learned the important lesson that ALL things come from God and should be used to glorify His name.
Genesis 41:16
"'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'"
This is the same lesson Paul tried to teach the Church in Corinth: "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (1 Corinthians 4:7).
It's by God's grace that we accomplish anything. It's by His grace we have talents and abilities - it's by His grace we obtain clear direction and motivation. If He provides all the tools, He certainly deserves ALL the praise. Let's never miss an opportunity to use the gifts God has provided. And when our lives produce fruit, let's never miss an opportunity to give Him all the glory!
Copyright 2001, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
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