“Moses warned his nation (Deuteronomy 6:10-12) of prosperity’s greatest temptation: to forget God, who redeemed them from slavery.”- Wayne Stiles
As Wayne Stiles continues Chapter 6 of Waiting on God, he notes that Joseph made no personal requests when he stood before Pharaoh. Most noteworthy, Joseph said nothing of the injustices he’d endured. Furthermore, he asked for no personal favors- like a quick trip home.
In all his years of waiting, Joseph learned to trust God’s timing and God’s ways. Yet, Joseph’s new-found success provided the basis for another refining test. Would Joseph give up on his ultimate dream?
Similarly, Wayne observes, abundant prosperity and blessings tempt us to neglect God. We must be intentional in keeping our focus on God through incremental growth. Bible study and prayer sink our faith roots deep.
Hence, Dr. Stiles describes how to maintain our walk with God:
” . . . before we know it, we can replace devotion to the Lord with devotion to his blessings. . . . Our walk with God is not an appointment we keep each day- and then move on- like climbing the rungs of a ladder. Instead, our time with him forms the foundation that supports all we do. We build on it. We don’t climb past it.”
Even in success, Joseph remembered God. Pharaoh gave Joseph a pagan wife, Asenath. Since Asenath had no effect on Joseph’s faith, Dr. Stiles surmises that Joseph likely affected hers. Both sons born to them were given Hebrew names. Both names gave glory to God.
Today’s question: What Scriptures enable you to resist prosperity’s greatest temptation, thereby trusting God’s timing and God’s ways? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Slammed doors”
