Don’t focus on the negative in life

The school motto of The Berkeley Institute is “Respice Finem –– Keep The End in View.” 

I like this saying because it lines up with a strategically important message of The Bible.

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

That is the mindset Joseph must have developed from his youth and certainly the mindset that Joseph had while he was nowhere near the place of which he had dreamed. 

Joseph dreamed of leadership and greatness. 

He dreamed of being in charge, but as you look at him, it would seem that his location would eradicate the possibility of his dreams ever coming true.

However, there is something that Joseph held onto that is the key indicator that his dreams would come true. 

Sovereignty

Joseph held on to his faith during faithless times. 

Joseph held onto his relationship with God even when it seemed as if God had forsaken him. 

Joseph understood the sovereignty of God. 

He understood that no matter what the current situation God was ultimately going to have His way in the matter.

When God clearly speaks a Word into your heart, you must be sure to stand upon what God said; God cannot lie. 

Therefore, all that God speaks will unfold in a season of time.

Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

Let’s face it. Joseph had a few things that he could have had an attitude about. 

He was ill treated by his brothers, unsupported by elder siblings, and sold to Ishmeelites, who were historical enemies of his people.

Joseph also could have carried a negative mindset because instead of being the great leader he had dreamed about, he was a slave or a servant. 

Rather than Joseph being in charge, another had charge over him.

Here is the crucial key in fulfilling your God-given and God-driven destiny: Never allow your outward conditions to change the inner you. 

You must be yourself wherever you are.

Who was Joseph? Joseph was a young man of vision. 

Joseph was a young man who knew how to encourage himself when he did not have support. 

Joseph knew how to stay in communication with God. 

Joseph knew how to maintain his excellent character in dismal conditions.

Rather than focusing in on what was negative, Joseph remained focused on the truth that God had chosen and called him to be different and to excel to a place of greatness.

Purpose

If you keep your mind about you, you can always turn even the unforeseen place, the unexpected place into a place that will be a part of your purpose. 

For it was in Potiphar’s house that Joseph was surrounded by elders. 

He was not in any old house; he was in the house of a great man.  

Therefore, that environment allowed the greatness of who Joseph was to shine through and even mature. 

If you focus on being your best and doing your best, every situation you face will become an asset and a great part of your success story.

Do not allow temporary conditions to change your outlook on life and impact upon your attitude to be the best that you can be.  

God’s plan for you is still in effect.  

Don’t mess it up because of where you are right now.  

You will not always be in Potiphar’s house. 

One day, God will take you to the palace. Respice Finem.