Central Truth

God's providence and care for Joseph is only made evident in hindsight. Joseph's commitment to keeping God's law -- in a foreign land and under some extremely tough conditions -- brought favor on him. Having faith in God requires us to have faith in His timing as well.

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Reflections

Chapter 41 tells how Joseph interpreted two dreams of Pharaoh, and as a result, is appointed to the second highest position in all of Egypt. In his appointment, he is charged with planning and implementing a mission that would ensure the survival of a nation following a severe famine. This alone is remarkable. To add to the story, he does this at the age of 30, after he has been imprisoned for several years, wrongly accused of adultery, carried into slavery by a pack of wandering merchants, and literally, sold out by his own brothers. I am amazed at the steadfast persistence Joseph shows that comes to fruition in chapter 41 of Genesis.

I have at my disposal an arsenal of tools to help me battle sin on a daily basis. The church provides rock solid leadership, mentoring, discipling, and countless opportunities for accountability and support. Even with these tools, I am not confident that I could have successfully faced the same trials.

When Joseph's brothers sold him to merchants, he was carried away from his homeland and into Egypt. The belief system embraced by Egyptians was far different from his own, so right away he lost his "accountability partners" and his "church family!" But when he was sold into service at Potiphar's house, he kept his faith and found the Lord's favor, resisting sin, even to the point of being imprisoned. Just as he had in Potiphar's house, Joseph stood firm in his faith and rose to a position of leadership over the other prisoners.

When Joseph enters the service of Pharaoh, thirteen years had passed since he was sold by his brothers. This was not a "rough patch" in his life; this was a significant portion of his life spent wrongly imprisoned, falsely accused, and as a slave in a foreign land. And to think, I find myself in a funk if I feel under-appreciated at work for a few days! The amazing plan that God had for Joseph wasn't made known to him when he had a dream as a boy; it was only visible when he looked back.

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Discussion Questions

1. It must have been extremely difficult for Joseph, during those years as a slave and prisoner, to feel God's favor. Can you think of a time where you went through difficulties that only in hindsight could you see God's favor on you?

2. What is your trial today? Do you have the strength to thank God for that trial and to praise Him for the growth that will come from it?

3. Can you use today's devotional to remember to show grace to someone else who may be going through their own trials?

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