Our theme for the year is Choose Life. Our hope and prayer is that everyone will choose life. Specifically, we’d love to see you choose the Christ life. In John 10:10 Jesus says, "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (NLT). That’s what we want you to find . . . "life in all its fullness."

This is the third message in our teaching series: From Dream to Destiny [Source: Robert Morris]. Through a biblical study of Joseph’s life we’re learning how to step into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. God wants the dream He’s given you to become a reality. You have a special destiny. God has big plans for you. But in order for you to attain your destiny some significant changes have to take place in your life. There are roadblocks to overcome. There are character issues to be addressed. There are sinful actions and attitudes to be confessed. Or put differently, there are tests you have to go through in order to fulfill God’s destiny for your life.

Proverbs 17:3 says, ". . . the Lord tests the heart" (NLT). If you’re going to move from your dream to your destiny, you have to pass the tests of the heart. The first test you have to pass is the pride test. We learnt about that a few weeks ago. The second test you have to pass is the pit test. The third test you have to pass is the performance test.

But before we learn about the performace test there are two things you need to know about God’s tests:

1. You keep taking the tests over and over until you pass.

2. If you want to pass the tests, God will make it happen. ". . . God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished . . ." Philippians 1:6 (NLT).

Text: Genesis 39:1-6: Now when Joseph arrived in Egypt with the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, a member of the personal staff of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was the captain of the palace guard. The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. So Joseph naturally became quite a favorite with him. Potiphar soon put Joseph in charge of his entire household and entrusted him with all his business dealings. From the day Joseph was put in charge, the Lord began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't have a worry in the world, except to decide what he wanted to eat! Now Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man.

Some key words in text are "served" and "success".

Here are some questions to contemplate. Answering them will guide you in how well you are passing the performance test.

Joseph had to look after the things in Potiphars house. How do we look after the things entrusted into our care?

What does it mean to be good stewards/servants? Nothing in Potiphar’s house belonged to Joseph.

Colossians 3:22-25 speaks to the role of the servant.

Luke 16:10-12 shares a very important principle.

Every great destiny carries great responsibility. If we can’t serve unbelievers well (Potiphar was not a Jew) then we will never pass the performance test. What is our attitude to the people we serve?

Remember: We don’t only work for people . . . we work ultimately for God.

Joseph didn’t allow the injustice of his situation to prevent him from being a faithful worker.

Joseph passed the performance test by being faithful with another man’s goods and doing the right thing even when there seemed to be no reward for him.

Our attitudes are just as important to God as our actions. God’s blessings come through obedience. We’re blessed to be a blessing. The key to obedience is faith.

(L. Murray)