Connecting Scriptures:  Acts 7:9, Psalm 1:3, Proverbs 1:10

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?—Romans 8:1

Joseph’s journey into Egypt must have been unimaginably scary and heartbreaking.  He was ripped apart, not by an animal as his brothers tale sold to Israel, but from his land and the love of his father and brother.  He was alone and, from all worldly standards, hopeless.  But God.  

Standing out clear, in these verses is the fact that, “…the LORD was with Joesph…”.  He went with Joseph into that dark, pagan culture.  He took the harsh situation of slavery, Joseph’s new reality, and gave him purpose and success.  In each place, Potiphar’s house or prison, the Lord’s presence was so strong upon him that Joseph had dominion over all of it.  He gave each master peace of mind to where they didn’t even check behind Joseph in his decisions or management.  They knew everything was “safe” in his hands.  Just like Joseph knew he was safe in God’s.  This is what kept him true to God and his own personal holiness.     

It would have been natural for Joseph, a handsome and young man, to think that any desire he might have was also under God’s favor.  Here is where the line was.  Joseph understood sin and that he would lose God’s favor if he was undone by the temptation of Potiphar’s wife.  He understood that sin is first an offense against God (huge) and that his allegiance wasn’t to an earthly master, but his Heavenly Father.  I think this shows that the effects of hardship have put Joseph in the proper position of needing God, and seeing that as his greatest strength.

I may never find myself sold into slavery or unjustly thrown into prison, but do I rest in the fact that I am safe in God’s hands?  I would love to say I am cool under pressure, but I am usually a “panic first, pray later” kinda gal.  To my shame.  Who knows though, in that long caravan drive to Egypt, if Joseph didn’t spend the majority crying out to the God of his father in fear and confusion.  We can know, whatever his wrestling, that Joseph found God faithful by his actions and fidelity to the Lord as seen in this chapter.  I guess that is the thing to glean.  We know we are safe and we know God is faithful when we know God.  It wasn’t enough for Joseph to recount his fathers faith journey, he had to see that the One who gave him dreams was going to see him through this.  Because God loved Joseph and was intending to write a bigger story for Israel.  One that would strip a whole nation to a point of need.  They (like us) needed to need God.  So, it makes sense that He starts with one branch of Israels tree.  Joseph needed God and it put him a position to be blessed and kept by God, no matter his station or situation.  Sometimes the harshest circumstances can position us to receive God’s provision in ways we never would have been able to see or appreciate—because who would have ever chosen this lot of Joseph?  

But God, indeed. 

Questions for Reflection:

1.  What does todays account teach us about maintaining faith during difficult circumstances?

2.  How are you on a “neediness” scale with God?  Do you see this as a strength or something you are ashamed of?  What does this tell you about your own personal pride?  

3.  Are there circumstances that God may be leading you into that you know are beyond your strength to endure?  Are you avoiding these things, or stepping boldly in, knowing God will sustain you?