For me, a humble spirit, is the most difficult attitude in life to maintain. Perhaps you do not struggle the same as I do with pride. God often has to humble me because I lack the ability to do it myself. When this battle rages Joseph usually comes to mind.
When he was captured by his brothers in Genesis 37:18-22, he had to know that they intended to kill him. The Bible states that his brothers could not even talk to him peacefully (37:4). I believe that when Joseph realized that his life had been spared it was a turning point for him. He would have had to look at life differently. Humility is not easily learned. Yet when it is learned the impact on one's life is huge. The evidence of Joseph's humble spirit is found in Potiphar's house. Joseph had gained the trust of his master. All of Potiphar's possessions were in the care of Joseph except one: his wife. His response to this woman reveals how humble Joseph really was in spite of the position that he held (Genesis 39:7-9).
Don't get ahead of me! The rest of the story is yet another lesson. There were boundaries in which Joseph respected. He did not let his position affect his thinking to the extent that he took advantage of people. Joseph came to terms with his position as slave and remembered how he got there. It changed his life for the good. God continued to bless him. And, Joseph continued to learn.
What are your circumstances today? Have you found yourself in a place where you least expected? Are you fighting against the circumstances that caused the trouble or are you learning from the situation and moving on. Analyze your circumstances differently. Realize there is a lesson to learn that you will need to succeed later. Let me encourage you to learn it now because the instruction/circumstances will not get easier until you do. My prayer for you is to succeed in the place where God has placed you with great humility.
