So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Does seventeen, scared, stripped, shackled, mocked, abused, thrown in a situation and country where you know no one or their language and auctioned off by the slave traders sound like the picture of success to you? But that’s exactly how Joseph is described in Genesis 39:2, as a “successful man.” “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” Genesis 39:2
This kind of changes the whole paradigm of success, doesn’t it? It’s certainly a lot different than the picture our society has painted. Bank accounts, homes, cars, and social circles are what most people use to measure success. If that were the true measure, then there’s no way that the word “successful” could have been used for Joseph.
Success as God sees it is defined by one ingredient only. Success is measured only by the fact that He is with us. According to this verse, God’s presence in Joseph’s life is what made him the standout.
What distinguishes Joseph, and even you and me from the world’s success standard is one thing, and that is that God is with us. If God is with you, you are already a success. You don’t have to try to be, you already are – period. By knowing that we are successful because God is with us takes away all the pressure of doing, and allows us to rest in Him.
Today know that you are a success simply because He is with you.