Daily Devotional for Youth 2021 Para el: 31 julio
«But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison» (Genesis 39:21).
Evelyn Sayler, who loved horticulture, wrote an article about the different types of flowers. Dedicated to planting and looking at them, she noticed that some needed very specific weather conditions that she could not provide. Thus, she chose to plant some that did not have great difficulties in growing «happily» in any circumstance.
She compared people with flowers. Some people are beautiful and charming when they are comfortable, and everyone gives them what they need. They usually complain when things do not work out or when they are not treated the way they want.
On the other hand, there are people who, by nature, are happy and pleasant; they always look good no matter where they have been planted. Everyone loves to be with these people, even if, at first, they do not seem as nice on the outside. Stable people are the friendships that last, even when they are not going through pleasurable circumstances.
People are planted in different environments. Some grow up with loving Christian parents who care for them. Others grow in a small, uncomfortable crack in the cement. Their environment is hostile, but they grow and develop in spite of everything.
What about Jesus? Jesus was planted in an ungodly city, but He grew up in a godly home. Despite the poverty and hardship throughout His life, He flourished like the Rose of Sharon or the lily of the valley. If we want to be like Jesus, we must also learn to grow where we are.
Joseph began his life in a well-maintained environment like a greenhouse, but was then transplanted into the elements of Egypt, then roughly uprooted again to be taken to prison.
“At the first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers…. But Joseph’s real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison” (Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 20, p. 218).
Just as Jesus managed to bear so many fruits with His life in spite Of everything, and just as Joseph managed to overcome the most adverse circumstances, we can choose today to be that kind of person.
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