Genesis 39:1-21
Every time I read the account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, I get a little angry. Poor Joseph. He was following God and doing the right things yet he still found himself in a bad situation in Potiphar's home and an even worse situation in prison. The word injustice comes to my mind. However...when you look at the whole story and how it plays out, you can see that God was in control and working mightily through each and every good and bad situation. And actually, this account is good because it gives us such a great reminder that no matter how righteously we're living, sin and temptation are always around us, pressing in.
So what did you learn from Joseph in Genesis 39? What did this passage show you about experiencing tough situations, doing the right thing, temptation, and trusting God? Tami W.
It was more important to Joseph to please both his earthly master and his heavenly master than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. But many of us have that attitude, and yet we still yield to temptation in the heat of the moment. Joseph seemed to have a real attitude of gratitude, which is amazing - considering the circumstances that landed him where he was. I think he had walked closely with the Lord for quite a while already, and he chose - instead of being bitter for being sold into slavery- to be very thankful that the Lord had spared his life. Not only was he thankful that the Lord had spared his life, he was very thankful that Potipher, and not someone else, had purchased him. In Potipher's household he had become the overseer of all this great man's property. He saw his situation as an opportunity to bring glory to God by serving Potipher to the best of his ability. He kept that same attitude, of serving to glorify God, when he was put in prison. He wanted to glorify God in whatever circumstances God placed him. I think, too, that he already had the idea - the belief - that God would ultimately work out what humans meant for evil for his good, so he seemed to be able to generally keep that attitude of thankfulness and gratitude.
I think what I've learned from Joseph is that if I can concentrate on trusting God, and understand that I have an opportunity to glorify Him in my service and in my decisions, and if I can be thankful for His goodness to me - whether or not I am aware of all it encompasses at the moment - those attitudes will go a long way in helping me say yes to Him and no to sin.
This passage reminds me that we must be on guard against sin at all times. When God is with us, as He was with Joseph, we are protected. God was in control. Even though Joseph was imprisoned, God worked it out for his good in the end.
Trusting God is so important, especially when we are falsely accused! But to trust Him, we must know Him. And getting to know God is a lifelong journey that we have to work at.
This passage reminds me of how cruel people can be, and more that it is not very smart to mess around with God's plans. We allow selfish intentions room to interfere with God's plan and disaster strikes. In tough situations, I've always known my guardian angel was there; there was divine intervention at work when I was not hurt worse or killed in my previous problems. At the same time, I need to try to do the right thing so as to not tempt God. Doing the right thing is easier if I give my jealousy and thoughts to my heavenly father. He always knows the whole situation, even my feelings, better than me.
"And as she spoke to Joseph day after day"...This is interesting to me as it underscores how unrelenting sin and temptation are.
I guess, we have to always be on the alert, as there is never a vacation from temptation.
This is hard, as sometimes you wish the world would just stop turning so you can rest awhile. But as I write this I am reminded that Jesus is our rest.
Well, after reading the wrong story about Judah in Genesis 38, I finally read the right story in Genesis 39... what contrasting stories! I'm with Tami W on this, I feel sorry for Joseph. I guess what I see in these passages is the that fact that no matter what situation we are in or what the world (or Satan) throws at us, we need to make sure we are not sinning against God our Master. Let's face it, we live in a world where ALOT of temptations are thrown at us on a daily basis and we have to choose to remain pure no matter what this world comes up with! Technology has made it so easy to sin in private if we so choose, but God sees and knows all and if we remain true to Him then no matter what situation we are in He will be glorified!
Hey P4 family,
We had a little snafu with the P4 emails and got a little ahead of ourselves in certain spots. Depending on which email (html or text) you receive, you may have been a little confused. Sorry about that!
You also may have noticed that we skipped a section in Genesis, but have no fear, we'll go back and read that section tomorrow (Genesis 38:1-30). Thanks for your flexibility!
Today's passage should be Genesis 39:1-21.
Think About It Questions:
What enabled Joseph to resist a powerful temptation? What would help you resist temptation?
Meredith
P4 Team Member
the book of james 1 told us that we should count it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because thats where the testing of our faith developes perserverance.because joseph was a man of god;s own heart he persevares under trials and god told us that we get a crown in glory whenever we overcomes temptations.and with this he told potiphar;s wife he could notdone such wicked thing an sin against god his father.so as christians we should do the same as joseph even if it cost us to be locked up in jail. when our father sees what we have done for him he will undoubtedly reward us!
What a wonderful surprise blessing!!! I found your blog and signed up yesterday and the first devotion I received directly addressed an issue I've been dealing with.
I've been struggling so much in my walk with God lately. I've been trying to deal with issues of control and the path my life has taken. I try to control others and myself and my life so I can achieve the outcome I think I want, and I get frustrated when the results I seek don't occur. I've grown so frustrated and angry at the course my life has taken. However, this passage is a reminder of what I know to be true - that God is in control and He has a plan for me. Rather than try to control things, I should trust Him and know that He will take care of me.
Like Joseph I did the right thing and yet I suffered negative results. Also like him, I feel like I've been cast into prison - that God has forgotten about me. But in His gentle way God used this devotion to remind me that He is in control and that God will take care of me if I trust in Him.
One thing I’ve learned is that just because God puts a dream in our hearts doesn’t mean it’s going to come to pass without any opposition. See, God is going to grow us up. He’s going to mature us. He’s going to prepare us to handle the promotion He has in store.
I think about Joseph in the Bible. Starting out, he didn’t have a whole lot of wisdom. He was young and immature, and God had to do a work in his life. Joseph probably shouldn’t have told his brothers about his dream that they would one day serve him! As you can imagine, his brothers were not nearly as excited about that as he was. Long story short, Joseph had to go through some things to grow up and be ready for the promotion God had in store.
Friend, it’s the same way with us today. You may have a dream in your heart that seems a million miles away, but just like Joseph, God can take you from the prison to the palace in one step. During the growing process, keep yourself focused on Him and allow Him to do His work in your life. Keep a humble attitude of faith before Him, and He will lead you and guide you into the destiny He has prepared for you
Welcome to P4, Adam! Glad you found us & thanks for your comment.
Meredith
P4 Team Member
"But God was with Joseph..." that makes all the difference in the world. If I make my bed in hell, God is with me! Ps 139.
It took me awhile to sign up for P4, but I finally did and am glad. The converstions are helpful, like being in Sunday School class and being able to share and hear other's opinions.
I am so glad that God included the example about Joseph and Potiphar's wife. The sin that comes from within us deals with the sexual use of the body. What I always remember from this story is to 'run' when this sort of temptation occurs.
God is good.
We have to be very watchful of situations around us. As people of God, we cannot be nonchalant in our daily attitudes. Sin and temptation come in all forms - I am proving, daily, how the Word of God, prayer and sharing (such as with P4) help to strengthen us in our walk with the LORD.
I had written some comments/thoughts but deleted them all.
All I can say is " but for the grace of GOD go I". Thank you Lord for loving me so much and directing my path. You are forever faithful to me even when I am not faithful to you.