READING: Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11
“The Lord was with Joseph.” Genesis 39:2
Just a quick review of today’s reading makes it clear that God’s hand was on the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob:
- “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master” (Gen. 39:2).
- “ . . . his master saw that the Lord was with him” (Gen. 39:3).
- “ . . . the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house because of Joseph” (Gen. 39:5).
- “But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him” (Gen. 39:21).
- “ . . . the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful” (Gen. 39:23)
What’s striking to me is the backdrop of these stories. Sure, the Lord prospered Joseph, but that is not to suggest that Joseph’s life was simply health and wealth. Previously, some of his brothers had wanted to kill him. Now, he was in Egypt because they had instead sold him to the Ishmaelites, who sold him to Potiphar. He would then be falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife, wrongly imprisoned by Potiphar, and promptly forgotten by the cupbearer whose dream he properly interpreted. Somehow, this “prosperity” does not sound like the preaching of some today who suggest God’s blessings will fall on all who follow Him.
The Lord’s presence with Joseph was hardly a promise that every day would bring blessing, but it was a guarantee that God would providentially guide him. In some cases, that guidance did indeed produce prosperity for others; in other cases, though, it brought accusation and imprisonment. Nevertheless, today’s struggles would somehow fit into the puzzle that would not be fully revealed until tomorrow – a truth that Joseph would learn and confess later in his life (see Gen. 50:20).
If life is surprisingly difficult for you today, do not assume that God is not with you. Instead, trust Him. Follow Him. Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, resist temptation. God will work all for good.
ACTION STEPS:
- Make a list of God’s blessings in your life today. Thank Him for the evidences of His love.
- If your faithfulness has cost you, trust God anyway.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for being with me. I pray others will see Your presence in me, even in tough times.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12:1-23