STRONG LIKE JOSEPH

Gen.49:24 – His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.

One of my mentors in the faith was Mike McIntosh, director of our Bible School and pastor of a church in Federal Way, Washington. Mike often ministered in the gift of prophesy and gave me today’s verse as a word from the Lord when we were pioneering our church in New Orleans. It’s quite a powerful word describing the necessity of the power of God in our lives to fulfill God’s purposes and plans. What an amazing God; He calls us to do something then He sends His anointing to guarantee or success. On top of all that He sends His ministers to prophesy over us to encourage us to finish the race. The Lord often used Mike to encourage me in those early days, this word especially met me in a powerful way. This word goes on to say that Joseph would bear fruit even in the midst of attacks from supposed friends and foes. The supernatural nature of a word of prophesy can go a long way in helping us finish the race. Here are some thoughts from Spurgeon on today’s verse.

“That strength which God gives to his Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valor, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true-divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from the mighty God of Jacob. Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph-The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. Thus God is represented as putting his hands on Joseph’s hands, placing his arms on Joseph’s arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear him. He puts his arms upon them. Marvelous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from his throne and lays his hand upon the child’s hand, stretching his arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong!”

So maybe today finds you a little overwhelmed, feeling inadequate for what lies ahead. Remember, God’s hands are on your hands. He is the strength of your life. If God is for you like He was for Joseph, it is impossible for you to fail.