This is the week when our nation focuses on the giving of thanks, eating turkey, watching football, and gathering with family and friends.

Merchants promote shopping for Christmas and shoppers look for the best bargains of the year. Thanksgiving Day comes only once a year, but there should be an attitude of gratitude every day of the year and all throughout our lifetime.

The apostle Paul says in Romans 8:28, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This corresponds to an old saying, “In every cloud there is a silver lining.” Even on a cloudy day, the sun is still shining even if we are not able to see it. When the apostle Paul talks about all things working together for good, he specifies that this is true for those who love God.

When Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers to a caravan of merchants, he ended up in Egypt, where he was sold again, this  time to an officer in the court of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The officer, whose name was Potiphar, recognized Joseph’s skills, and put Joseph in charge of all of his household affairs. God blessed Joseph, and God blessed Potiphar because of Joseph. Everything went well until Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, and when Joseph ran she accused him of inappropriate conduct toward her.

Joseph ended up in prison, but even there the warden recognized the skills demonstrated by Joseph. The warden also put Joseph in charge of all the operations of the prison, including the other prisoners. While in prison, Joseph had an opportunity to interpret dreams for the king’s baker and butler, who were put in prison for offending the king. He asked them to mention him to the king after they would be freed from the  prison. 

Sometime later, the king also had two dreams, and no one in the king’s court could interpret them, so it was reported that Joseph could do it. Joseph was called to appear before Pharoah, and interpreted the dreams. He told the king that there would be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine in the land. Joseph was promoted to be second in command to  Pharoah to gather food during the first seven years to be available during the second seven years. Joseph was then able to rescue his family from starvation by inviting them to come to Egypt, where he could watch after them. So everything did work out for Joseph and his family.

Joseph truly did love the Lord, and God had a special purpose for him, even though he was sold into slavery and even though he was falsely accused and put in prison. Joseph remained faithful to God and had a good attitude during it all, and he is a great example for all of us. Let’s be like him by having an attitude of gratitude.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.