Don't Neglect Your Part

For 2026, we have prayed many prayers and set our goals, and made our vision boards.  We must not neglect our part in God’s ability to bless us.  Quite often our blessings come through other humans, so we must operate in ways that give God the opportunity to bless us.

In Genesis 37, Joseph, at age 17, was envied by his older brothers.  After a series of events that served to solidify their negative feelings towards him, they decided to sell him into slavery to a group of Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. Genesis 39:2 states, “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”  In my years of knowing God, I think He gave Joseph the opportunity to prosper, as He always gives us choice.  He likely gave Joseph the opportunity to show off his work ethic, his intellect, and his prudence - and Joseph did so!  Verse 3 states, “When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4Joseph 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.”  That’s a big statement.  We don’t just invite anyone into our home and put them in charge.  That person must have a proven track record of honesty and integrity in order to be given such responsibility.  Potiphar must have observed Joseph to be responsible and prudent.  

Some time later Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of making a pass at her, a crime punishable by death.  When Potiphar thought on the accusation and weighed it against what he knew and had seen of Joseph, he decided to have him jailed instead.  Scripture tells us again, “But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” I believe Joseph faced choices and chose to make the best of the situation.  He didn’t start acting like a prisoner just because he was in prison, he remained responsible and hard working.  Some time later, Joseph, with all credit to God, correctly interpreted the dreams of 2 of the inmates.  One of them, upon release, mentioned to Pharaoh when he needed to understand a dream, that Joseph could interpret dreams.  Pharaoh sent for Joseph, but he didn’t just go.  “When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharoah.”(Ge. 41:14)  Before he listened to Pharaoh describe the dream, he gave credit to God for its interpretation.  “I cannot do it, Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Gen. 41:16)  Once the dream was interpreted, Pharaoh couldn’t believe his ears and knew that fast and responsible action must take place so he put Joseph in charge saying (v. 39), “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”  

For 2026, we have prayed many prayers and set our goals, and made our vision boards.  We must not neglect our part in God’s ability to bless us.  Quite often our blessings come through other humans - new jobs, job advances, strengthening our marriage, improving relationships with family and friends - we must always do our part.  God will be with us, but we must demonstrate our commitment to growth everyday.   Notice the bold text above.  Potphar likely didn’t just say, “Hey, Joseph, I want you to come lead my household.”  He had to have observed him to be a hard-worker who always showed up and got the job done with integrity.  The lead jailor didn’t just decide to put Joseph in charge, he likely observed Joseph to be someone who was responsible and had a positive attitude.  Although the cupbearer didn’t immediately think of Joseph, but later he remembered him as a young man who left an impression on him he recommended Joseph to the King.  Joseph was in jail, but he didn’t let it get him down.  

As we wait on the Lord in 2026, remember you are also responsible for your blessings.  To receive the answers to your prayers that you desire you have to be working in that direction, God is not likely to elevate you to a high position that you cannot maintain due to your being irresponsible, dishonest, and less than distrustful.  In 2026, let’s work hard, show up - on time, be positive, take ownership, and leave positive impressions, as we pray and wait.  Watch what God will do.  Amen.

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