Redefining Success Lessons from Joseph

As I sit on my porch in the early morning, sipping my café con leche, the world around me awakens. The sun peeks over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the dew-kissed grass. A soft breeze stirs the leaves of the oak tree nearby, bringing with it the song of chirping birds. In this tranquil moment, I feel a deep connection to something greater. The beauty of creation whispers of God’s presence. It reminds me of how God shapes our understanding of success, much like He did with Joseph. Through Joseph's life, we uncover profound lessons on how God redefines what success truly means.

When Creation Speaks

In the heart of creation, there is a language that transcends words. I remember a family trip to the mountains, where the majestic peaks towered above us, blanketed in white snow. Standing there, I felt so small, yet so alive. The sun beamed down, illuminating the rugged rock faces, while the air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Each breath was a reminder of God’s artistry and power. It was as if the mountains were proclaiming, “Here is God’s glory!” Just like how Joseph was lifted from the pit to the palace, the mountains remind us that God has authority over our circumstances, even when they seem bleak.

Similarly, the vastness of the ocean carries its own message. I recall a summer day at the beach, where the waves crashed rhythmically against the shore. My children squealed in delight as they splashed in the surf, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. The ocean, so expansive and deep, mirrors God’s boundless love and grace. Just as Joseph faced betrayal and trials, the ocean teaches us that our struggles are part of a larger narrative, one that we may not fully comprehend.

This sensory immersion into creation invites us to consider how God communicates through His handiwork. The intricate design of a flower, the vibrant colors of a sunset—each detail whispers of His character. When we pause to marvel at creation, we align ourselves with God’s purposes. Just as Joseph found meaning in his trials, we can derive wisdom from the world around us. In the midst of chaos, God whispers to us through the beauty of His creation, reminding us that success is not merely about achievements but about our relationship with Him.

The Original Commission

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and He entrusted humanity with a sacred commission: to cultivate and care for His creation (Genesis 1:26-28). This original call extends beyond the garden of Eden; it unfolds throughout Scripture, revealing a deeper theology of creation. In Psalm 104, the psalmist marvels at God’s handiwork, celebrating the interconnectedness of all living things. “You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;” (Psalm 104:10, ESV) speaks of God’s provision and care over His creation.

Job’s narrative illustrates God's sovereignty over creation. In Job 38, the Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind, reminding him of the grandeur and mystery of the world He formed. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:4, ESV) Job’s journey of suffering illustrates that true success is rooted in trust and faithfulness, much like Joseph’s experience in Egypt.

As we move to the New Testament, Paul echoes this theme in Romans 8:19-21, where he speaks of creation groaning in anticipation of redemption. “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” Here, we see that our calling to care for creation is tied to the hope of renewal. Just as Joseph's life was a precursor to God's ultimate plan for redemption, our stewardship carries eternal significance.

Revelation 21:1 promises a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people. This eschatological vision invites us to reflect on our role in creation’s stewardship. Success, as defined by God, is found in our commitment to live out this commission, nurturing the world around us in love and reverence.

Groaning with Creation

Creation is not without its pain. The beauty we see is often marred by suffering and destruction. As a mother, it's heart-wrenching to witness the world my children inherit. From the environmental degradation caused by our actions to the loss of countless species, the weight of creation’s brokenness can be overwhelming. I think of the time we took our family on a hiking trip, only to find the trails littered with trash. It was a stark reminder of our responsibility to care for the earth, and it sparked conversations in our home about sustainability and respect for God’s creation.

In our modern context, climate change looms over us like dark clouds, threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems. As we navigate financial stress and daily struggles, it's easy to overlook the broader imp