God is not a part-time presence in our lives. He permeates every corner, every moment—yet, too often, we relegate Him to certain compartments, keeping our faith separate from the hustle and bustle of work. But here’s the truth: God refuses to be confined. He longs to infuse every part of our being, including our daily grind.
Let’s talk about Joseph’s story found in Genesis 37—it’s like a rollercoaster ride through his professional journey. It all began with his dreams, just like we start with big dreams too. But then came a coat of colours which got him temporary happiness—thanks to that, he ended up in a pit, got sold, became a slave, got promoted, then demoted, and finally, he circled right back to his dreams.
Sound familiar? It’s like our lives, right? We start with these big dreams, maybe people call them silly, but they’re ours. Then comes high school, where we ace it, pass with “flying colours” and get into some society-approved college or course. There’s a lot of buying and selling seats, and then we sell out our teenage years to toil like slaves, all for that first job placement. Then comes the promotions, career ups and downs, and maybe, just maybe, we find ourselves back at that dream that started it all.
Joseph’s story is a lot like ours—a crazy journey full of ups and downs, twists and turns. But just like Joseph, we gotta hold on to those dreams, even when life feels like a wild ride. Who knows? Maybe, just like Joseph, we’ll end up right where we’re meant to be. Joseph had good discernment–even though doing the right thing cost him his job and imprisonment, he did what was pleasing in the sight of God.
Despite facing unimaginable challenges and dreams that seemed outlandish, Joseph held firm to the unwavering truth of God’s goodness. His journey serves as a reminder that God remains steadfast, even amidst the trials and tribulations of the workplace.
In Genesis 39, it says, “The Lord was with Joseph….”
Now, let’s pause and reflect: when the pressures of work mount, when deadlines loom, and conflicts arise, do we stand firm in our faith? Our actions in the workplace reveal the true condition of our hearts, exposing whether our faith endures the flames of adversity.
I’ve often pondered how to embody Christ’s love in my workplace—dealing with various personalities, from the tattlers to the crybabies, the demanding and the undermining. And yet, we’re called to reflect Christ’s love in all we do. It’s no easy task, believe me.
In my previous workplace in Kerala, I was blessed with supportive colleagues. But upon relocating to the UAE, I felt like a fish out of water—no cliques, no circles, just me. Have you ever felt that?
Peter understood this well when he said, “Don’t be surprised when tough times come your way—it’s all part of the journey” (1 Peter 4:12, paraphrased). Conflict and challenges are inevitable. But knowing this truth equips us to face them head-on, with the assurance that God is with us every step of the way.
Yet, like Joseph in the pit, God’s presence remained with him, enabling him to excel in his workplace despite the odds. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in our moments of loneliness or feeling out of place, God is with us, empowering us to thrive in our professional spheres.
Joseph’s journey speaks volumes about the unwavering presence of God in every season of life—whether we find ourselves on the mountaintop of success or in the deepest pit of despair. His presence is our constant companion, guiding, sustaining, and empowering us to overcome every obstacle.
Whether you’re thriving in your career or feeling stuck in a vocational valley, know this: the Lord is with you. His presence is what we need most, whether we find ourselves in the palace or the prison of our careers.
I recently came across a beautiful quote: “Every moment of every day, the most significant happening in the entire universe is the radical availability of God’s presence.”
pastor A.J. Sherrill
So let’s embrace God’s radical presence as we work today. Let’s not just work for Him but with Him. Let’s talk to Him, be mindful of His presence, and experience His love. And may that experience of His love compel us to extend that same love to those we serve through our work.
| Consider this This week, let’s make a conscious effort to reflect Christ in our workplace. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but let’s pause and remember three simple yet powerful principles: 1. Hold your tongue: In the heat of the moment, it’s tempting to lash out or gossip. But as followers of Christ, let’s remember the power of our words. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Let’s strive to speak words of kindness and grace, even in challenging situations. 2. WWJD: “What Would Jesus Do?” It’s a question we’ve heard time and time again, but it holds immense value, especially in the workplace. When faced with difficult decisions or conflicts, let’s pause and consider how Jesus would respond. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Let’s emulate His love and compassion in all that we do. 3. Include God: Too often, we try to navigate our work lives on our own strength. But let’s not forget to include God in every aspect of our work. Proverbs 3:6 advises us, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Whether it’s seeking His guidance in a project or inviting Him into a challenging meeting, let’s invite God to be an active part of our work lives. |