Cooperating with God

A friend just told me how much he's earning.

How my heart cried at the uncalled for info. I was perfectly okay before this conversation!
When comparison came into the picture, discontent set in and I started to doubt the heart of a well-meaning God.

I used to not care about how much money I am making. Payslips matter less in eternity anyway. And God never failed in providing for what we need on a daily basis. But last night, I felt an air of entitlement, which God corrected by using the story of Joseph (Genesis 30-50).

Joseph used to be an overconfident youth. His self-confidence, backed up by being his father's favorite and knowing God's design for his life early on was unbearable to his 10 older brothers. Thus, his brothers conspired against him. They nearly killed him, but at his eldest brother's intervention, they ended up selling him to Egyptian traders. He was exposed to sexual temptation and was punished for doing the right thing. He endured long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped.

In all these, Joseph responded positively. His response transformed each setback into a step forward. He didn't spend much time asking why. His approach was "What will I do now?"

Joseph's actions and words showed his unwavering trust in the heart of God. He was confident that God wants what is best for him and his situation doesn't cancel that fact. No wonder, he excelled wherever God appointed him. He had been a slave and a prisoner and he glorified God wherever he was.

Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:3

Joseph was actively involved in all these. I don't think it was a passive thing.
He cooperated and worked hard. He did his part. And God did His as well.

The LORD caused...The LORD blessed...The LORD made...

As Joseph did things beyond what was required, more important things were entrusted to his care. With him in charge, his masters did not concern themselves with anything (Gen 39:6, Gen 39:23).

Joseph wasn't ashamed of the nature of his job/s and he did not fret about his payslip. He owned his job and did his part diligently, knowing that he was ultimately serving God's purpose. Not only was he excellent in work, but he was also blameless--a man of integrity. This just shows that Joseph didn't despise God or rebel against Him no matter how lowly his circumstances were.

By the time Joseph reached age 30, he was appointed Prime Minister of Egypt--the most powerful nation at that time. Through him, God provided for and preserved the whole Israelite community, His chosen people.

I have 15 pesos left to spend till this weekend. And it's just Thursday. This isn't because of improper stewardship of money. I had been very diligent in monitoring my cash flow and did not really spend much for myself.

Early this week, God called me to spend His money where He wanted me to spend it. Just as I have feared, I'm down to my last cent. But I'm banking on His promise that He would take charge if I obey Him. He will bless me and provide for me.

So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you...Genesis 50:21
God will surely take care of you...Genesis 50:24, 25

God, give me the strength to persist in being excellent even in disappointing times like this and not to go against You when I feel that the waves are against me. You are on my side and You purposed to bless me and give me the best, as a Father would. Please help me believe this.

(Click on this link to see how God surprised me)