And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it prosper. (Genesis 39:22-23)
Even in the darkest moments—betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and now unjustly imprisoned—God’s hand remained upon Joseph. The prison was not a place of defeat for him but a platform that God used for His purpose. The keeper of the prison elevated Joseph because he recognized something in the Hebrew inmate: an anointing to lead, organize, and govern.
He recognized it so much that he entrusted the management of the prison to Joseph, one of the prisoners. Joseph didn’t have to fight for influence or try to draw attention to himself; his God-given abilities and his reverence for God’s presence created opportunities for him. Even in the lowest, darkest place, Joseph continued to operate in the favor of the Most High.
God has gifted every believer in unique ways. When we operate according to our anointing, it doesn’t matter where you are placed; our anointing will be evident. Joseph carried an administrative anointing. He had the wisdom to govern, the ability to organize, and the foresight to manage. That anointing thrived whether in Potiphar’s house, in prison, or later in Pharaoh’s palace.
Your environment does not dictate your anointing—your anointing dictates your environment. You have a gift from God that will emerge in times of trouble and blessing. God intends to use you to bless others and demonstrate His favor. Joseph didn’t let his environment define him; he transformed his surroundings with the anointing upon his life.
Practical Application
What gifts has God given you? If you haven’t recognized any, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how God has specifically anointed you. No matter where you are in life right now, God intends to use your gifts in significant ways.