If one wants to reduce all success factors in life to one, what will it be? The obvious answer will be the presence of the Lord. This much can be derived from the life and ministry of Jesus. Acts 10:38 puts it clearly: “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38 NKJV. Earlier, Nicodemus, despite his limited understanding of kingdom matters, demonstrated enough knowledge in what makes for success. “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” John 3:2 NKJV.

If one wants to reduce all success factors in life to one, what will it be? The obvious answer will be the presence of the Lord…If you have the covering presence of God with you everywhere, you can never fail.

Joseph had several odds stacked against him that could have hindered his ascendancy in life. Hated by his brothers because of his dreams and the audacity to tell them to their face, they thought to get rid of him. He narrowly escaped being killed. Being sold into slavery was the closest alternative. Our text clearly states that the presence of the Lord made the difference even in slavery. He excelled and was favoured by his boss. False charge levelled against him soon sent him to jail. Here is what happened again in prison: “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Genesis 39:21 NKJV. Here is the point: If you have the covering presence of God with you everywhere, you can never fail.