LOSERS

“Let the favor of the Lord be upon us and establish the work of our hands…” Psalm 90:17 (RSV)

Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of their father’s love for Joseph, plus his dreams of them bowing down to him, that they plotted to do away with him. They threw him in a pit. They sold him. Imagine, selling your brother—Losers! Joseph was sold into slavery!

Joseph worked, as a slave, in Egypt, and the Lord caused all he did to prosper. He became a successful man. He also was handsome and Potiphar’s wife tried to entice him to “lie with me.” He refused. She told her side of the story, falsely accusing Joseph—Loser! Joseph was wrongly cast into prison!

While in prison, his cellmates, the baker and butler had perplexing dreams. Joseph interpreted them, and they were fulfilled as he predicted. The butler was freed from the dungeon and Joseph asked him to “Remember me, I was stolen, I’ve done nothing wrong, that I should remain in this dungeon.” The butler promised but forgot—Loser! Joseph stayed in the dungeon two more years.

When Pharaoh had disturbing dreams, the butler remembered Joseph’s ability to interpret.

Pharaoh called Joseph. He interpreted the dreams and proposed a marvelous solution. Pharaoh made him a ruler. Joseph’s wisdom saved the people during a famine.

I asked a friend, “What if all these Losers had not done those bad things?”

She replied, “God would find other Losers.”

God sometimes uses the accomplished or the exceptional. But He often uses a dysfunctional disciple like Peter; a shepherd like David; a persecutor like Paul, and a prostitute like Rahab.

Thank You, Lord, the only ability You need is availability. Take this loser and use me to serve in Your kingdom. Amen.

© 2017 Lois Gosley