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Commit to Excellence

Raquel Soto

Editor's  note: This article originally appeared on The Christian Pulse. Used with permission.

As I sit here and write this, I am, myself, in that transition phase. We all go through those phases. Those places in our lives where we are in a wilderness, looking forward to the manifestation of what is in our heart. Or in a pit, feeling completely forgotten by the world and God; mulling over the promises you know deep within that must come to pass.

So, how do we get there? How do we rise above our circumstances? Can it be that we were made for something more?

I believe that there are various ways God wants to get us to where we are fulfilling our destiny. This is an issue we will have all our lives. The journey of life is a rollercoaster: up and down, exciting and scary, then moments that feel as smooth as glass and you glide in the air effortlessly.

The following three examples are in no way the only places where you might be in a transition. It’s only the three I want to focus on for right now. If you haven’t been in one of these places yet, you will be at some point in your life.

May the truths of God’s Word prepare you for where you are at and where you are destined to be.

What is the secret to staying the course? Let's examine the life a perfect example of working in the marketplace – Joseph.

1. Sometimes even the people you love might be offended or envious 

"Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt" (Genesis 37:28).

2. Sometimes you will be accused of something you didn't do 

"And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison" (Genesis 39:20).

3. Sometimes people will forget the promises they made to you 

"And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Genesis 40:21-23).

Joseph is a perfect example of the opportunities that can open up in the marketplace for you when you commit your way to the Lord. Although his own siblings were envious and offended at his calling, Joseph didn't allow even slavery to deter him from what he was called to do. Wherever he ended up, he did his best, and advancement came. And even when he was falsely accused and thrown into jail, instead of complaining and murmuring, he kept on doing his best, in spite of the circumstances. While all around him the world mocked him by trying to "bring him down", Joseph continued in the way of excellence. While the world was organizing circumstances to bring destruction, God's plan was working in the circumstances to bring Joseph into the fulfillment of his destiny:

God's answer to #1: While in slavery, God's favor and mercy caused promotion

"And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field" (Genesis 39:5).

God's answer to #2: While in prison, God's favor and mercy promoted Joseph

"But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it]. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper" (Genesis 39:21-23)

God's answer to #3: When Joseph was forgotten by the world, God's favor and mercy promoted Joseph to the place of destiny

"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:39-41).

I want to encourage you to continue to do your best. Wherever you have been planted, whatever your calling is – even if you aren't sure right now – commit to be excellent. Commit to do your best, even if you "feel" like it doesn't matter. It does matter! You are being watched. By the people you work with. By the people in your circle of influence. And most importantly, by the One Who holds your promotion in His Hands. You might be a Joseph. You might have to go through some things because the calling on your life is so great. Rejoice! You are in good company! You might feel like you're in prison because of your circumstances. Look up! Look up at the One Who created you! Look up to the One Who has the best plan for your life. Look up and rejoice! You will not stay in your prison much longer. You have not been forgotten by the King. The King is working it out for you, but you need to stay on course. You need to rehearse what you know to be true. You need to keep your focus no matter what anyone says or what it looks like.

What God did for Joseph, He will surely do for you. Commit your path to Him today and be ready for the opportunity for promotion when it comes. It might not be in the place you imagined, but destiny rarely is.

Raquel Soto is the prolific and cutting edge writer of several books. She resides in Chicago with her husband of 16 years and their three beautiful children. Finding ways to help people utilizing the arts is her passion and helping people practically is her gift. May all your days be like days of heaven on the earth is her motto and deepest desire for you today. 

Publication date: October 16, 2012