DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday July 1, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – Like A Flint

Topic: Like a Flint [Wednesday July 1, 2015]

Text: Genesis 39:7-23

Key Verse: “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Great leaders always exercise self-discipline. Unfortunately, our society seeks instant gratification rather than self-discipline. We want instant breakfast, fast food, quick cash from ATMs, fast cars and trains. But success doesn’t come instantly. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There are no victories at bargain prices”.

The favour of God and Joseph’s own integrity won him the admiration and trust of his master as our text reveals. He was made overseer of the entire household, a privileged position. Joseph had passed the test of adversity. If Satan cannot get us to sin by withholding our needs, he will try to offer what we desire. The test of adversity led to his master’s wife desiring an immoral relationship with him. Joseph resisted the temptation by fleeing the scene of temptation. Although he was wrongly accused by the temptress and later put in prison, he held his head high in honour and purity and kept his dream alive.

Adversity is both a test and temptation. God wants to build us up while Satan wants to tear us down. Joseph found himself in a very difficult situation. Everything conspired to make sin easy and resistance near impossible. He was a slave living in a society devoid of moral values.

Our greatest security against sin is to be shocked by it and call it what it is. How did Joseph pass the test of allurement? Others might regard it as a little fling but he called it what it was - “great wickedness” (Genesis 39:9). Sometimes, we do things we shouldn’t do. Consequently, God sends adversity to purify our motives, refine our dreams and prepare us to realize our visions. When you find yourself in a pit, tempted, maligned or misunderstood, allow it to make you better.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 1-3

Thought for The Day: A strength of character is usually built in the furnace of affliction.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.