In Genesis, the Bible tells us about Jacob’s son, Joseph. As a young man, he was wearing a coat of many colors given to him by his father. He had God’s favor. His life was good. He was on an “up.” Then his jealous brothers threw him into a pit. His life went down. He was sold into slavery and went to work for a man named Potiphar. He came back up. Potiphar’s wife lied about him and had him put in prison. He went back down. He was good to the people in prison. Pharaoh put him in charge over all of Egypt. He came back up again.

Year after year for Joseph was up and down, good break/bad break, promotion/setback. But Joseph understood that if he would abide in God and not let his heart become bitter, God would lead him into victory again. He didn’t start complaining or start asking, “God, why is this happening to me?” He just kept moving forward and being his best. One day, he hit that tipping point where God said, “All right, Joseph. You’ve done your part. You’ve proven that you’re going to be faithful, now I’m going to do My part. I’m going to cause you to remain steady.”

A lot of times, people look at Joseph’s life and all the ups and downs that He went through. They notice how he kept a good attitude during tough times, which is important. But what I want you to see today is that Joseph eventually came to a place where he came up and never went back down again. God established him. God set him on high. Understand today that the same God who brought you up can keep you up. You don’t have to get set in your thinking that life is going to be all ups and downs, one good break and one bad break. No, keep abiding. Keep being faithful, and you, too are going to come to that place where God not only lifts you up, but He will keep you up and lead you into the life of victory and blessing He has in store for you!

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3, NKJV).