Fruitful in Affliction

Reading of the Day: Genesis 40-42

Genesis 41:52: And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

When we are in less-than-desirable situations, it's hard for us to be the one to want to change the atmosphere. It is easier to just blend in with those around us, letting the negativity get the best of us. But God has different plans! In the New Testament, Jesus is called The Light of the world. He came to a dark place to shine and make a difference, not to blend in with the darkness...and as we see as far back as Joseph in the Old Testament, God sends that same message! Joseph was fruitful in the land of his affliction. He had an interpretation and explanation for things when no one else did! Before Joseph had his second son in this above Scripture, there was a famine in the land of Egypt...and Joseph was the only was who could interpret Pharaoh's dream in order to help Egypt & the lands surrounding survive during those devastating times! Genesis 42:36 states, "And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine." So before Joseph was ever blessed & fruitful with children, he was blessed & fruitful with the God-given ability to save people from a famine. To feed a starving society during a time of emptiness. Pharaoh even asked, "...Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" Genesis 41:38. So on a deeper level than physical fruitfulness, Joseph had a spiritual fruitfulness in which people got to see the power and blessings of God in a place so foreign to His Word. It was Joseph's character which was Jesus to those people, just like we can let the Light of Jesus shine through us today...and receiving a glimpse of God is even greater than food in a famine! But through that provision, God let the people know that He is Lord over all! So imagine what just a little light can do in the darkness. In following God more closely each day & letting Him be The One to bless us, others will surely see The Light too. We will be fruitful in affliction if we are faithful in trusting His provision!