By Canaan Chapman
In today’s reading, we’re in the middle of a great setup for things to really just get worse. Up to this point, Joseph had been the favorite son, almost murdered, thrown into a well, sold into slavery, and given to the Egyptian Pharaoh’s captain of the guard as a household servant. A low man even among low men, the one who was once his father’s golden child faced trouble at the hands of everyone he met.
Joseph swiftly became in charge of Potiphar’s household affairs, succeeding and showing God’s providential provision. While he may have been in a prominent position in Potiphar’s household, he was still the perfect target to blame if anything went wrong. Scripture describes Joseph as “well-built and handsome” (Genesis 39:6), and he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. She didn’t mince words and invited him into her bed. When Joseph refused, she only tried harder and more often. Eventually, she grabbed his outer garment and demanded again. Joseph shed it and ran. She lied to her husband, protected herself, and Joseph was thrown in prison.
Scripture then tells us in Genesis 39:21, “But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.” Again, more favor from God. With every setback at the hands of man came favor from the hands of God. Joseph’s faith in God strengthened him and reminded him of God’s provision. So what can we learn from this specific episode?
Maybe some of us need to remind ourselves to trust in God’s faithfulness even when our path takes unexpected turns. It’s true for most of us that life rarely goes to plan. The Bible guarantees trouble in the life of the believer, but we can take heart that God has overcome the world and all it can throw at you (John 16:33). God’s presence is with you, even if you can’t see where it’s leading.
Perhaps some of us need to remember that true character is revealed in those times of deep suffering. How often have you faced a difficult choice to do what’s right by your family, employer, or friend? In whatever case, seek God’s strength to live with integrity even when the going gets tough. After all, we can show who we believe in by the way we show love even when circumstances threaten to overtake us (John 13:35).
Maybe the takeaway some of us have after today’s reading is to know that God is never far, even when we can’t see a thing in the darkness. While Joseph’s life so far has mainly been a pit and a prison, we’ll soon read how it becomes a palace. Talk to God, freely pouring your heart out to Him, and trust that His presence will always be with you.
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