Scripture: Genesis 39:1-6 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
Devotion: If there was ever a story of a man who could have believed that God had abandoned him or forsaken him, it would be the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. He had ten older brothers, but he was his father’s favorite. Because of this, his brothers threw him in a pit and told their father that he had died. Joseph was then sold into slavery in Egypt. He found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. But after he refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife, she accused him of attacking her. As a result, he was thrown in jail. Eventually, his ability to interpret dreams is discovered by Pharaoh, and he is called out of prison to do so. He then ends up having a great influence in Egypt and aids his family when they unintentionally seek his help during the famine. Talk about a roller coaster.
But sandwiched in the middle of his story is this phrase, “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered” (Genesis 39:2). Even in the midst of all of his struggles, we see that the Lord was with him. What an encouragement this Scripture is. Joseph endured many highs and lows, and God was with him. The same is true for us. Whatever mountain we are on or valley we are in, we can trust that we are not alone in any season of life. Our struggles do not go unnoticed. Our pain is not unseen. When the road seems long and the night seems dark, we can take heart. He is with us.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Reflect:
- What struggles are you facing right now?
- Do you feel as though God is absent in them or do you feel as though He is with you despite what you are facing?
- How can you take note of His presence more often despite what you are going through?
