Faithfulness

Potipher’s wife tempted Joseph in Potipher’s house. She took Joseph by the garment, saying, “Lie with me.” Joseph did

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not take the bait but ran out of the house instead. Unfortunately, he left his garment in her hand. Potipher’s wife lied and accused Joseph of coming to lie with her. She said she “cried out with a loud voice” and he fled. Scripture reports that Potipher became angry when he heard his wife’s account (Genesis 39:11-19). Potipher put Joseph in prison in response.

Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
Genesis 39:20-23

The Scripture mentions God’s favor on Joseph. This reveals Joseph’s heart. God does not place favor on a heart that does not love Him. It is reasonable to conclude that Joseph did not respond in anger toward Potipher’s wife. If he had, he would not have found God’s favor. When you choose to live in the Spirit of God, you will have to make decisions that may spark anger in others. Joseph’s choice to avoid the temptation of Potipher’s wife led him to be falsely accused and lose favor with Potipher. God’s favor is much more valuable than the favor of any person.

One can conclude that by following God’s Way Joseph was led into prison. The truth is that following the leadership of the Holy Spirit does not mean a life of circumstantial ease. What is does reveal is a heart willing to submit to God’s Will. When you follow God while living in the world, you should not expect a life of ease. The ruler of this world, the enemy, will not like the Spirit that is within you. Those not living for Christ can become your enemy. Remember no to look at this from your flesh but from God’s Spirit.

Is it possible that God allowed Joseph to be placed in prison for a purpose? Joseph was faced with a choice that all believers face in times of difficulty. This choice was either to continue to believe in God or to allow the circumstances to create doubt and unbelief. Every trial provides an opportunity to deepen your belief. Your responsibility is to choose to believe God alone.

From My Spirit is Life and Peace Workbook by Alison Veazey and Kerry Skinner.