Losing my job because I wouldn’t compromise my integrity was a great disappointment. Life seemed out of control after seven months of unemployment and no job prospects in sight. God kept reminding me to trust Him. It was one of the best growing times in my life. In time, God provided the best job up until that point in my life along with great working conditions. Gen. 39 showed how Joseph remained faithful to God and trusted Him even as life unraveled around him.
Joseph was sold as a slave, taken down to Egypt and became successful in Potiphar’s house, captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard. Lord was with Joseph and prospered in all he did. Potiphar showed him favor as his personal servant and in charge of all he owned. He wasn’t concerned about anything except food he ate. The Lord blessed Poitphar’s house on account of Joseph who was handsome in form and appearance (Gen. 39:1-6). Integrity, follow-through, hard work and responsibility combined with great faith cause favor with God and man.
Potiphar’s wife tried seducing Joseph, but he refused her advances. He told her that Potiphar trusted him completely and withheld nothing except her. Joseph asked,“How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:7-9). Stay consistent and faithful by resisting temptation.
Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, but resisted her advances. When they were alone, she caught his garment saying, “Lie with me!” Joseph left his garment and ran outside. She accused him of making sport of her. After lying to the men of her household, she left his garment beside her until Potiphar came home and then repeated the lie (Gen. 39:10-18). Being faithful and responsible sometimes leads to suffering persecution and injustice.
Potiphar’s anger burned when he heard what his wife said. He put Joseph in jail, which confined the king’s prisoners. But the Lord showed kindness and gave him favor in sight of the chief jailer who made Joseph responsible for all the prisoners. His superior did not supervise anything under his charge. The Lord made him prosper (Gen. 39:19-23). God’s faithfulness and love combined with devoted and responsible service reap favor and blessings from authorities.
Remember that God is in control even when life unravels. What seems out of control in your life? Embrace the discomfort by remaining consistent in your walk with God while trusting Him for the outcome, whether good or bad.
