In This Way: Showing Up Everyday

Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. ~ Gen 42:6

Observations:

• Joseph, despite all of his responsibilities, was available to sell grain
• Responsibilities:
• in charge of the land of Egypt (41:41)
• husband of Asenath, daughter of Potiphera (41:45)
• father of Manasseh and Ephraim (41:50-52)
• amassed so much grain it couldn't be counted (41:49)
• ruled during seven years of plenty (41:53)
• Pharaoh's go to guy (41:55)
• disaster relief coordinator (41:57)
• Encountered his brothers at work
• Held it together at work for years after initially meeting brothers
• More time not mentioned in the text, than mentioned
• He sold grain for all seven years but only encountered brothers a few times
• Day in and day out, he showed up for work
• Worked for a unbelieving boss who despised shepherds (46:34)
• Joseph saw his secular work used for holy purposes

Applications:

• Availability is a thing
• We, like Joseph, have many plates spinning
• Work is an important part of God's preparation for us
• Intermingling with unbelieving peers is often part of God's plan
• Get up, clean up, show up everyday
• Be with the people and listen actively
• Remember that in all labor there is profit

Prayer:  Joseph showed up for work in his seventh year on the job and it made all the difference.  Did homesickness (41:50-52) and rage at the cupbearer make him want to quit some days?  He had a chariot but didn't run away to get back to his homeland.  Traders, cartographers and caravan drivers under his authority would have surely shown him the way.  I don't read an, "I quit!" from the human trafficking victim with legitimate Egyptian criminal justice grudges.  As Joseph stuck and stayed, help me to stick and stay in faith, family and vocation.  Thank you for giving me the strength and opportunities to continue getting up, cleaning up and showing up everyday.