Sometimes we don’t get to choose who we are with. And then there are times we realize we had a choice and blew it.
No Average Joe Series
Remember this scene from the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou”?
Pete: Wait a minute. Who elected you leader of this outfit? Ulysses Everett McGill: Well Pete, I figured it should be
the one with the capacity for abstract thought. But if that ain't the
consensus view then, let's put it to a vote.
Pete: Suits me. I'm voting for yours truly.
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well I'm voting for yours truly too.
(Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote)
Delmar O'Donnell: Okay... I'm with you fellas.
Joseph found himself in prison due to the wicked choices of others. After a period of time, two other fellas landed in the prison cell next to him. One was the cupbearer and the other was the baker for the king. Apparently, they had deeply offended the boss, and he threw them in jail.
The Bible says that “the captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them” and that this confinement lasted for quite a while—Genesis 40:4.
What do we do when we are surrounded by strangers? How do we respond when we are stuck with the wrong people? Here are a few things Joseph might tell us today:
Everyone is valuable.
Joseph did not choose to have a relationship with these two men, but he cared for them. He got to know them. He reached out to them. And he ministered to them. Whether it’s your quirky neighbor, your crazy brother-in-law, or even your obnoxious co-worker, the people in your life are worthy of your respect and service.
Everyone needs help.
These two men went from the oval office to the dungeon in matter of moments. It was a short trip and a long stay. The people who come into your life, come with problems. They may have prestige. They may appear confident and all together. But don’t be fooled. God has brought them your way because they need something you have. Find out what it is and serve them.
Everyone is looking for answers.
These two men had dreams that brought questions and confusion into their lives. And Joseph answered that confusion with real help found only in His God. Despite Joseph’s less-than-ideal situation, his faith bled out in a tangible way. Don’t allow your challenges to distract you from the opportunity to point skeptics to the glory of God. They don’t want to be where they are anymore than you do, but you have hope beyond the present. Give it away.
Everyone is a superhero.
Joseph had no way of knowing that one of these men would be supernaturally used by God to give Joseph an audience with the king. No one comes into your life by accident. The people around you may seem random and disconnected, but they are in fact divine appointments designed to refine you and use you for God’s great work in your life.
Question: How have unexpected relationships added value to your life?
