“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame...” (1) So said the Lord Jesus to the apostle John. So what is it that we are to overcome? (2) Well, I think this story holds an answer.

Joseph was the favored son of his father Jacob. (3) He held the birthright, and though nearly the youngest in the family, it was his destiny to preside over his brothers. (4) Well of course, they didn’t like that, and they sold him as a slave into Egypt. (5) He was only 17. (6)

Now, Joseph could have felt sorry for himself and cried, “Unfair! I’m a victim!” But what good would that have done? Instead, Joseph remained faithful to God and his new master Potiphar, and he overcame his misfortune. He became the overseer of all of Potiphar’s house. (7)

Then as you remember, Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him. And when he refused her, she landed him in prison. (8) Now, he didn’t deserve such cruelty; he was an innocent man. But did Joseph sink into despair and give up? – and run around crying, “Fowl”? No. Once again he kept the faith and overcame, becoming the overseer of the prison. (9)

Then, “…think on me…” Joseph had said, “…and bring me out of this house.” (10)

Well the butler’s released, but the butler forgot him, (11) and Joseph remained a prisoner for two more years. Did he become depressed, bitter, angry with God, and withdrawn? No, Joseph just went on doing his duty. (12)

And then came that day when Pharaoh himself drew Joseph out of the prison and put him over all Egypt. Only Pharaoh had more power in the land than Joseph. (13)

Now, can it be said that Joseph had finally overcome? – that he had at last conquered? Well, maybe – I don’t think so.

See, on that day when Joseph had all power in Egypt, did he punish Potiphar, or his wife? Did he remember the butler who forgot him and go after him? And lastly, when those same brothers who had sold him into slavery came begging for food, did Joseph treat them as they had treated him? No. He wept, embraced, and forgave them. (14)

Now, Joseph had truly overcome. By faith he overcame the vastness of Egypt and the smallness of his own soul. And so must we – the same way. By getting up and moving forward with faith one more time than we get knocked down.