A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Prov. 22:1)
Joseph’s story is told about the two coats that he wore. One was the coat of favor, the other was the coat of temptation.
The Bible says that Jacob loved his son Joseph more than the other children and therefore he made him a coat of many colors.
That coat apparently symbolized the special favor that was bestowed upon Joseph all his life. Favor surrounded Joseph everywhere; in prison as well as in the eyes of Pharaoh. Five times in one chapter alone, we read: “The Lord was with Joseph.” That’s Favor!! That favor made him to become second in command of the Egyptian nation which was so advanced at the time in history.
YOU ARE NOT EXEMPTED FROM TROUBLE
But you know what? The favor of God doesn’t free you from the attacks of the enemy. Although God has a plan to bless you and favor you, the enemy too has a plan to derail those plans and will try to stop you from accomplishing God’s destiny in your life. However:..
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Rom.8:28)
GOD DID NOT PROMISE US A TROUBLE-FREE LIFE
There are always challenges and issues we need to face and there are always valleys that we need to go through before we can reach the mountain top. Life is as the saying goes “a never ending problem”. I guess it’s a reality. And the amazing thing about us is that God has wired us up with the ability and capacity to face these challenges and be an overcomer in this world we live in.
“Joseph was handsome..and ..his master’s wife..said ‘Come to bed with me!’ Joseph knew that it was not right for him to do so. As he desperately ran from her, he left his coat in her hand as she tried to grab him.” (Gen.39:6-12)
Remember, God’s plan was to save a nation through Joseph. The enemy will use whatever he can to pull you down and deter you from fulfilling your God-destined plan.
You see, the battle isn’t about you alone! It’s about God’s agenda! It’s about God’s destiny! To bless you and through you bring blessing to others. That’s how He blessed Abraham and made him a blessing to all the nations of the world.
You know what? Satan will always offer you the pleasure of a moment in exchange for the high calling and privilege of fulfilling God’s will. Don’t go for it! Joseph said, “No!” to Potiphar’s wife! The world needs people who cannot be bought! Who put character and integrity above wealth and pleasure! And who will not compromise with wrong! Get back into focus! Walk with God and live only by His standards and for His Glory and He will fulfill His destiny in your life.
“Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and pass on.” (Prov.4:14)
How many renowned leaders and corporate figures including anointed men of God who were blinded and disillusioned by the enemy were suddenly awakened to realize, “How did I get into such a mess?”
“The integrity of the honest keeps them on tract, the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin” (Prov.11:3 TM)
You are supposed to be a game-changer in the kingdom of God to claim this earth back to God from Satan. But when you become out of order in His kingdom the enemy defeats you instead of you defeating the enemy.
WHEN YOUR DEFENCE SYSTEM IS WEAKENED YOU BECOME A TARGET FOR THE ENEMY.
SIN WILL SEPARATE YOU FROM GOD. THE MOMENT YOU SIN, SATAN WILL STRIKE!
In view of what is happening globally both in the corporate sector as well as in the body of Christ where Satan is literally telling us I can infiltrate and pull down and destroy anybody as long as your defence system is weak. In other words, Satan is saying I can destroy corporate figures, I can destroy presidents and Prime ministers and not only that, I can also expose ministers of God who think high and mighty of themselves.
GOD IS LOOKING FOR A PEOPLE OF CHARACTER THAT REFLECTS HIS HEART
1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil is a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”
Satan is like a prowling lion waiting for an opportunity to attack. The only tool Satan has got in his hands to attack you is when you become disconnected to God. When you don’t conform to his character.
CHARACTER IS NOT ONLY A NAME IN A COMMUNITY BUT A REPUTATION BEFORE GOD
Your appearance must conform to the reality of your character. If you are a leader without such character than you are out of order in ministry!!
You can impress the community around you like the politicians who manipulate and give you false promises in order to build their self-image.
But a reputation before God is one that is transparent, God fearing, without any hidden agenda, one that reflects His nature. Such a character will produce real trust among people.
Such a character will enable you to endure hardships and challenges that you may face in life no matter how big it may be.
We need to be man and woman of integrity no matter what. Our life should be a living epistle. Joseph was a good example. He did not play it cheap. He said no to the advances of Pharaoh’s wife despite the consequences he would face. He could have been killed by Pharaoh. He was a man of character and integrity. He reflected God’s heart and he stood by it. He did not fear death.
You can say a 100 things with your lips but if your life shows a different message people will not believe you. Because your reality defeats your message!
The question is where are we walking today? Or, which category do we belong to?
Note: Rev Dr Jai Kumar is an ordained & licensed minister of Covenant Ministries International N.J. USA. He is a mission minded pastor who carries an apostolic anointing who preaches and teaches an uncompromising gospel with boldness. A member of ECCM (Malaysia) Spiritual Adviser & overseer to various ministries and churches. An itinerant speaker. He is also the author of a book entitled, ‘God’s Time Clock.’ Currently he worships at C3 Subang.
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Rev Jai Kumar
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