Who can imagine what influence is exerted on one’s children by sharing with them as they grow, our testimony of God’s leading in our own life?

As I consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 39 this morning, I find myself wondering how significant in his experience, were the stories his father would have shared with him about HIS experiences with God!  Certainly, there were influences that are not recorded in Scripture that caused Joseph to trust in the God of his father Jacob.

Not all that he experienced in his father’s doting care was working in his favour as he was transported to Egypt by a band of Ishmaelite slave traders. The proverbial “silver spoon” was no longer in his mouth; in one night he had to learn to stand on his own two feet!!

However, I’m sure that the stories Jacob had told him as a boy, of God’s faithfulness to him through the hard times in his life, helped Joseph to decide that he needed that same God in his own life, and he made the conscious decision to be true to God in all that he did!

Over the ten years or so that he was a slave in Potiphar’s house, his conversion was severely tested but its genuineness shone through to those around him. His willingness, hard work, and care resulted in God being able to bless all that he did.

What a challenging example for us to follow today; but how reassuring to know that God works with us as we decide to work cheerfully for the good of others.

Have a great day!