Hello everyone, Shalom in Christ! Welcome again to the devotional program, “Joseph at the Marketplace” by GLOBAL REACHOUT. I am Tom Nohelty.

Day 12: Cultural Disorientation

Today, the Scripture is taken from: Genesis 41: 41-52.

Theme verse:

“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt…” Genesis 41: 46 (ESV)

Whether facing growing changes in your native culture or the dramatic differences of a foreign culture, you likely experience some degree of disorientation. How do you navigate a changing or unfamiliar set of rules? How do you even learn what those rules are? To what extent should you try to adapt?

Joseph could identify with your challenges. His life changed overnight. One day, he sat rotting in a dungeon. The next, he wore Pharaoh’s signet ring and rode around Egypt in a chariot. An entourage ran in front of him shouting, “Make way!”

Pharaoh gave him a new name: Zaphenath-Paneah. Pharaoh also arranged a marriage with the daughter of one of Egypt’s priests.

Even though Joseph’s life changed for the better, the sheer volume of changes had been disorienting for him. During changing times, it can be helpful to remember what doesn’t change.

In the Psalms, David wrote:

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7–10

Just as God was with Joseph in prison, he was with Joseph as he navigated all the newness of a high position in the Egyptian government.  When Joseph adapted to the culture at his workplace, he got to find a balance between his faith and adjusting to the environment. He also had to find his internal calibration in order to get his bearing right. Above all, he needed to have strong faith that the Lord who had given him the dream would equip him with all that he required for this elevated position. The Lord was the same God throughout it all.

Are you experiencing what Joseph had experienced with regard to the changes at his workplace? Attempting to cope with the increased expectations of your boss and trying out what worked and what did not materialize? The Lord is with you, just as He was with Joseph when he went through the various phases in his life.

If you work in a foreign culture, have faith that God who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV). He is with you when you’re pulling your hair out trying to pay your utility bill in a foreign country. He is with you when you’re struggling to find a pediatrician for your kids. He is with you when you can’t figure out local business norms on deadlines and communication. Everything around you may be in flux, but God doesn’t change:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

These are great verses for you to memorize. If you have kids, consider memorizing them as a family. Whether positive or negative, change can be stressful. As you manage this stress, cling to the unchanging character of God. Ponder over the greatness of the Lord who has called you to your profession. As God leads you through various changes in your job, in what ways can you lean on Him?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, help us see opportunities in our jobs even as there are cultural changes around us, be it in the local setting or overseas posting. We anchor our hope in Your word that tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV). We look to You, our God, who is the same, today and forever. You are the Lord of Joseph and Apostle Paul and also over us. You will enable us to overcome our stress with wisdom and support from others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Time for Reflections.

1. What changes have you experienced as the culture around you has changed?

2. How much of a stress has it been?

3. How can you remind yourself of the unchanging character of God?