And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian (Genesis 39:2).
Joseph was described as “a prosperous man” despite being a slave in Potiphar’s house. This shows that prosperity isn’t a function of your career or assignment, but a product of your spirit. In our opening verse, the word “prosperous” is translated from the Greek word “Tsalach,” which means to be prosperous and effective. Thus, not only was Joseph prosperous, he was also effective. Even though he had been sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned, his ordeal didn’t taint the quality of his spirit. He recognized that the Lord was with him, and so exuded the spirit of a prosperous man.
The Bible says in Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” This implies that the story of Joseph was written for our learning. So, can it be said of you that you’re prosperous and effective in the things that you do?
Today, the same Lord that was with Joseph is with you and lives in you in the Person of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Talking about Him, Jesus said, “…he (the Holy Spirit) shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance…” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit living in you will teach you how to be more effective in the things God has called you to do, if only you’d acknowledge His indwelling and abiding presence in your life.
