Joseph was seventeen when his brothers sold him to traders, who took him to Egypt as a slave. In Genesis 39 he serves in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph is far from home, without family, rights or a voice. Yet this chapter repeats one phrase again and again: the Lord was with Joseph. Joseph faces hard work, strong temptation and a false accusation. His story speaks to anyone working a difficult job, living far from home, or doing right when no one seems to notice or reward it.
Faithful in Hard Places
The chapter tells us the Lord was with Joseph, and he did well in his master’s house (Genesis 39:2). Potiphar could see that the Lord was with him and made all he did succeed (Genesis 39:3). Joseph did not sulk or do lazy work because his situation was unfair. He served well, and Potiphar put him in charge of everything. Even Potiphar’s household was blessed for Joseph’s sake (Genesis 39:5). Many of us work jobs below our training or in places we never chose. Scripture tells us to work heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men (Colossians 3:23). Your boss may not notice, but God does. Excellent, honest work is a quiet testimony to the God you serve, wherever He has placed you.
What task at work, school or home have you been doing half-heartedly, and how will you do it this week as if serving the Lord?
Saying No to Temptation
Potiphar’s wife noticed Joseph and pressured him day after day to sleep with her. Joseph refused. He said his master trusted him with everything, and then he asked, "how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph saw sin for what it was, not just a risk to his job but an offense against God. He also guarded himself and would not even be with her. When she grabbed his garment, he left it in her hand and ran outside (Genesis 39:12). The Bible tells us to flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). Some temptations are not meant to be argued with. They are meant to be escaped. God always makes a way of escape, but we must take it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
What specific temptation do you face most often, and what boundary will you set this week to run from it rather than argue with it?
Faithful in the Prison
Joseph did right and still suffered. Potiphar’s wife lied, and Joseph was thrown into prison (Genesis 39:19-20). Integrity does not always bring a quick reward. Yet the very next words tell us the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy (Genesis 39:21). Soon the keeper of the prison trusted Joseph with all the prisoners, because the Lord made whatever he did to prosper (Genesis 39:22-23). Joseph kept serving in a cell just as he had in a mansion. Peter writes that if we suffer for doing well and take it patiently, this is acceptable with God (1 Peter 2:20). Do not give up when faithfulness seems to cost you. God is present in the prison, and He has not finished your story.
Where are you being treated unfairly for doing right, and what is one way you can keep serving faithfully there this week?
Conclusion
Joseph worked faithfully as a slave, ran from temptation in secret, and kept serving when he was falsely accused. Through it all, the Lord was with him. Joseph points us to Jesus, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15), and who was falsely accused and suffered for doing good. Because Christ was faithful for us, His Spirit now strengthens us to be faithful when no one is watching.
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