The Test of Offence

A leader will be tested to see if he/she can be offended. It seems that there are certain people that come into our lives that are there to test our character, and God is using them to test and grow our character. I think of the life of Joseph, and how he was tested. Ps. 105:17-19 says, "He sent a man before them - Joseph - who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him." Joseph went through a tremendous test. He was faithfully serving his master, not having done anything wrong, yet he was falsely accused, and was put in the prison. It would be so difficult to be put in prison for something you have not done. What about Joseph's feelings toward this woman who accused him? Did he not have reason to be angry? What did he think about this woman? She was the reason he was in the prison. Wouldn't he feel a sense of hurt, and betrayal, and a desire for justice? How could he not feel ill toward this lady? Yet there seems to be no ill feelings in Joseph. His spirt was pure, and without bitterness. Joseph saw that this situation was a test from God that would reveal his character. The test revealed Joseph to be of excellent character, and at the timing of God, Joseph was released out of the prison into leadership of Egypt. "The king sent and released him. The ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions. To bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom." So the next time someone comes into your life that tests your character, realize that passing this test is crucial to your next promotion from God. The tests reveal our character, and show God how much He can trust us with more of His kingdom!
Ps. 119:165 "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."