GENESIS 50:20

When Joseph is finally vindicated and brought into the palace, it is interesting to note that he testifies. He does not boast; he testifies to his brethren, his enemies, and all that will hear. He testifies with great deliberation and humility. He alludes to some terrifically bad things that transpired in his life, but he, however, seems to place greater emphasis on the providential leading of the Holy One who refused to let him die until his dreams were realized. He lives to confront the very ones who wished him dead and did everything within their power to destroy him and his dreams. He plainly reminded them, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Instead of concentrating on the evil perpetrated against him, Joseph is wise enough to interpret his story from the divine perspective. He sees God even in all the evil experienced, and he enlightens those who meant only to ruin him. He boldly testifies!

We are seriously taught from Scripture that after we have suffered, the Almighty brings us out to a spacious place of deliverance (1 Peter 5:10). Called to eternal glory never means that we will not suffer or be crisis-free. In fact, it is just the opposite. Trials will come. Persecutions will arise. Troubles persist. The fierce winds of adversity and opposition often blow up. Afflictions abound. However, what we are consistently taught in Scripture is that the God of all grace has an amazing way of bringing us out over and over again. By His grace we triumphantly endure, overcome, and survive. We, through His grace, become more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We learn from the tests. We find it true that there are no real testimonies without the tests and trials of this life. We unashamedly testify!

The story of Joseph is not just one of drama and intrigue, ending in misery and defeat, but one of redemption and exaltation. It is a coming-out story – a rags-to-riches story – a moving story with a triumphant ending. It makes you shout – “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). This is not tragedy! This is not defeat! This is triumph! Beyond any and every disappointment, Joseph rises. This is not pain only! This is a praise report! Joseph testifies, “…For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52). Somebody ought to testify! The Apostle Paul declared he was called “. . . to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). He testified constantly both to the Jews and also to the Greeks . . .” (Acts 20:21).

Today, let the Church of God testify! Don’t stop! If ever a time we need to revive and rehearse our testimony is now! I am a living testimony of the delivering power of Jesus. I went way down into the pit of sin, but He brought me back up. Jesus orchestrated my deliverance and healing. By His amazing grace, I now stand; He saved me, sanctified me, and baptized me with His precious Holy Spirit! The enemy meant to completely wipe me out and decimate me, but Jesus supernaturally rescued and saved me. Today, no longer bound! We are called to rise up and joyfully, enthusiastically testify!