When life gets tough, strengthen yourself in the Lord – learn a lesson from Joseph’s journey of destiny – part 17
Ask or request something if perhaps it favors you.
A prophecy of doom was pronounced on Eli and his posterity. Eli said, “he is the Lord, let him do what seems good to Him” (1Sam.3:11-18). As close as Eli was with God, he did not plead with God to reverse the curse, but he settled with what God said. Eli closed his mouth, and his destiny was sealed!
To the contrary, When David was confronted with similar judgement, he cried out for mercy and got it! Hezekiah pleaded with God. God told him to put his house in order that he was going to die. God reversed it and added fifteen more years of life (2Ki. 20:1-6).
The thief on the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion said, “Lord, remember me when you get to Your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42-43). The Lord replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in paradise”
Brethren, ask or request something if perhaps it favors you.
Joseph spoke and asked for a favor from the butler
Joseph asked for favor from the butler,
“But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house” (Gen.40:14).
The Bible admonishes us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). The Bible did not state this statement for nothing. When and where you must request or ask for favor, do so without procrastination.
The Scripture states that,
“Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Heb.10:35)
After the butler had been recalled serving Pharaoh, even though the Bible stated that the butler did not remember Joseph for two years, but the request Joseph made two years earlier resonated in the memory of the butler at the right time when the occasion arose.
request something when you can for your good advantage; however, the way you present you request also matters. The scripture states,
“Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones. (Pro.25:15 NLT)
When you are seeking a favor, it must not be as if it is your right, but it must be asked softly with humility to receive attention with mercy. You never know, no matter the status of the person from whom you are seeking the favor, God will cause the person to favor you. The Bible stated,
“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
he guides it wherever he pleases” (Pro. 21:1)
God is no respecter of person; He has control over everything that He created.
Hence, at the end, the butler remembered Joseph and made mention of him before Pharaoh. If Joseph had not spoken and asked for that favor at the right time, the butler would probably not have remembered him, and Joseph would not have become the second in command to Pharaoh in Egypt.
How do you ask for favor?
- Pray before you ask
- Ask in good faith
- Ask in sincerity of heart
- Ask in humility
- Ask without ulterior motive
- Ask for a good cause
- Ask for the things that burns in your heart for good.
- Ask without fear or doubt
Many people have lost rewards because they have closed their mouths and have refused to speak, especially in areas of what could have benefited them. Why would they close their mouths when their situation would have been better if they have asked or talked to someone who could have helped them? Are they afraid of a superior helper or have they looked down on the helper as if “nothing good can come out of Nazareth”?
Are you afraid because of intimidation, or you do not know what and how to request something? Ask for Holy Spirit’s empowerment and just request what may benefit you, believing that God will intervene and grant you your desire if it’s in His will. You never know. Asking may be your responsibility to ask a helper that God has put in place to help you.
Brethren do not close you mouth when you can say what burdens you through prayer to God or when seeking help from another person.
When you close your mouth, it closes your destiny.
By Lawrence Abitogun
lawrenceabitogun.com OR christianedification .org