Lessons from The Life of Joseph (part 2 of 5)

(Read Genesis 39)

Last time I wrote about Joseph, he was sold as a slave. Now we see how God had His hand even in this depressing situation.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh. In this foreign land, God blessed Joseph with favor and success. Potiphar trusted Joseph with everything he had because it was evident that God was with Joseph. Things were going well and Joseph was obedient to God.

But trouble lurked in the house...

Potiphar's wife developed a crush on Joseph that turned into lust. Every time she saw him, she would plead with him to go to bed with her. Every time he said no.

One day, there was nobody in the house but Potiphar's wife. Joseph went to the house to do his work. She cornered him, caught him by his clothes, and pleaded one more time. In haste, he fled from her and that place, leaving his garment behind. Potiphar's wife was furious so she called together the men of the house and Potiphar. She lied about Joseph and said that he had tried to do something with her. Unfortunately, the lies were accepted as truth and Joseph was thrown into prison.

Joseph certainly didn't deserve to be slandered and imprisoned. Once again, he had every reason to be angry and discouraged. He did what was right in the Lord's sight. He had experienced great favor and success only to have it snatched away.

But Joseph did not complain. He did not give up on his dreams or on God. Joseph continued to serve God and God honored that. Near the end of Genesis 39, we read about Joseph finding favor in that prison. The guards liked him so much that they trusted all of the prisoners to him.

Sometimes in our lives, we do what is right and receive something bad. Sometimes it seems like our good efforts aren't paying off. But God sees everything and He will reward us for all the good we've done for His glory.

If circumstances are weighing you down with sorrow, take hope in God. Trust in Him and obey Him. He will bless you with mercy and favor. Trust in His timing.

PRAYER: Thank You, Father God, for being with us through the good times and the bad. It brings us peace to know that You see the good that we do and that You will reward us. Please encourage and bless us. Strengthen us so that we can keep on doing Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.