When Does Success Come?

The remarkable story of Joseph walks us through the journey of a young, forbearing man, cast out by his brothers, sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.

It’s not looking good for young Joseph…

Joseph perseveres however bringing excellence to everything he does. Whether that is as a servant being honest in the household he serves, or as a prisoner being respectful and generous to his other fellow prisoners. Joseph is continuously patient and brings prophetic character to his every interaction.

God later opens a door which had seemed closed for years. A former prisoner remembers Joseph and mentions him to the king…

The king consults Joseph to interpret his dream — pleased with what he hears he then frees Joseph from prison and establishes him as head of food security for the entire land.

An immense title carrying with it honour, power and great responsibility.

وَكَذَ ٰ⁠لِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِیُوسُفَ فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِ یَتَبَوَّأُ مِنۡهَا حَیۡثُ یَشَاۤءُۚ نُصِیبُ بِرَحۡمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَاۤءُۖ وَلَا نُضِیعُ أَجۡرَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِینَ﴿ ٥٦ ﴾ وَلَأَجۡرُ ٱلۡـَٔاخِرَةِ خَیۡرࣱ لِّلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ یَتَّقُونَ﴿ ٥٧ ﴾

“This is how We established Joseph in the land to settle wherever he pleased. We shower Our mercy on whoever We will, and We never discount the reward of the good-doers.

And the reward of the Hereafter is far better for those who are faithful and are mindful ˹of Allah˺.” — Qur’an 56-57

How many times in our lives do we become frustrated with a situation or wish we had achieved more?

Do we push on getting frustrated? Do we get angry? Do we give up?

We should look to the noble example of Joseph, trying to bring excellence to our lives wherever we may find our circumstances taking us. All the while constantly and patiently relying on God to increase us and grant us success in our endeavours.