Expect Something Good!

A temptation we often face is to do nothing. In prison Joseph could have settled for doing the bare minimum, but his character would not permit it. He believed something good would be forthcoming from every bad, stressful situation. If you fail to expect something good, it may pass you by unnoticed, so be alert!

Joseph looked for opportunities to help others, so when two inmates were acting discouraged, he asked them to explain. They responded by saying there was no one to interpret their dreams. They believed dreams foretold the future. Interpreting dreams belongs to God, so Joseph was available to understand and relate what God would reveal.

Joseph believed discovering God’s purpose was possible even in deplorable surroundings. He had this gift for possessing a positive attitude in appalling conditions because his faith and trust in God were strong and true. Ask God to instill in you such a disposition. Are you willing to accept what God provides? It’s a good choice.  

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I know that God lives – the one who gives me back my life – and eventually he’ll take his stand on earth. And I’ll see him – even though I get skinned alive! – see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day!

~Job 19:25-27 The Message

Blessed for Doing Good

In the movie Papillon Steve McQueen plays a character who was falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison in French Guiana. Although punished for trying to escape, he never gave up and finally discovered a way to freedom. When Joseph was falsely accused and sent to prison, he made every effort to use his talents constructively.

Joseph was a conscientious worker who viewed each task as worthy of his best effort. His work ethic was noticed by prison officials, who delegated more responsibility and privileges to him. God richly blessed Joseph as he demonstrated he could be trusted with responsibility. God's design for Joseph was to be successful.

Joseph was successful because he applied himself completely to whatever he was asked to do. Joseph implemented a basic principle for success by choosing to take advantage of every opportunity to excel. He used his talents and intelligence for the good of others, including the prison officials. God rewarded Joseph for making good choices.  

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The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

~Proverbs 11:25 The Message

Strength to Stand under Trials and Tests

Character is an attribute of identity. From a positive viewpoint character refers to integrity and morality, but in the negative sense it refers to being untrustworthy. Joseph’s character was based on his relationship with God. His character was severely tested when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, but he refused her advances.

 

A person's character is revealed when standing against evil that’s embedded within temptation. Joseph did not contend with "should I or shouldn't I" when faced with temptation. His rational mind vetoed temptation’s emotional sway because he realized if temptation were permitted to infiltrate his emotions, he would be vulnerable to its snare.

C. S. Lewis addressed the problem of temptation in his book Mere Christianity by stating, "A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people in one sense know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the struggle of an evil impulse inside of us until we try to fight it."Christ Jesus will give you strength and the will to fight temptation’s evil snare as you determine never to give in.  

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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

~James 1:12 New International Version

Tolerance Needed? Commitment Required!

Being forced to tolerate undesirable situations is one of the most difficult tasks we’ll have to endure. Joseph consistently exhibited resilience as troubles incessantly plagued his life. Joseph's personality made it possible for him to seek God’s purpose in each situation he had to tolerate. This was his choice.

He refused to give up because he knew nothing could negate God’s purpose for him, as Genesis 39:20 indicates. "While Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him. God showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Once again, hardships could not prevent God’s purpose from being realized. Why not?

Joseph was completely committed to God. He behaved according to his integrity. He was ready to help other people. Listen to Matthew 25:40. "Even as you have been a blessing to the least of these my people, you have been a blessing to me." Can you imagine yourself following Joseph’s example and Jesus’ reassuring words?   

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“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

~Matthew 25:35-40 Contemporary English Version

When God's Spirit Speaks - Listen!

Without fail, the Lord God prepares us for trials and temptations we’ll face by providing us wise counsel on how to escape the powers of evil successfully. Joseph was a conscientious worker with integrity, solid morals and spiritual values yet consistently found himself on the front lines of trouble, where his values and morals were severely tested.

When Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of sexual harassment, he was immediately thrown into prison although she had consistently tried to seduce him. When he refused her, she complained to her husband that Joseph was sexually pursuing her. Bad things happen to good people because there’s no way to control bad people’s choices.

Joseph was thrown into prison, yet regardless of what he had to endure, he believed God’s purpose and plan would be revealed. Listen to Jesus’ encouraging words. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven.”  

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I will rescue you from the power of wicked and violent people. I, the Lord, have spoken.

~Jeremiah 15:21 Good News Bible

Run from Temptation's Trap

Temptation can be a subtle thought that lasts only for a moment or a fierce fire that will not be extinguished. Potiphar's wife was so attracted to Joseph, her passion became an out-of-control fire. Every day she enticed him with sexually provocative allurements that could not be misinterpreted. Still he resolved to remain faithful to God and his values.

On one occasion when they were alone in the house, she grabbed Joseph, determined to seduce him. With tenacious strength of character and will, he ran from the house to escape her grasp. To survive the snare of lust, he chose to run rather than face a lifetime of regret.

Joseph’s overriding priority was to keep his conscience clear and his integrity clean. When he could no longer avoid temptation’s trap, he removed himself from its presence. Temptation can be brutal in its persistent, enticing power, but it can never override God's promise to provide a way to escape. “Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.”  

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I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

~Isaiah 41:13 Contemporary English Version

Beware of Evil, Prowling Lions

Opportunities that come our way can be to secure our betterment or to create a disaster. Some opportunities build bridges to prosperity, happiness and joy. Others build bridges to failure and suffering. After Joseph adjusted to life as a slave, his peace and comfort began to unravel when Potiphar’s wife began making sexual advances. 

Genesis 39:7 portrays her objective. “Come to bed with me.” Now listen to Joseph’s integrity. “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I commit such wicked sin?” These attempts at seduction became more provocative and an endless temptation. 

          Being acutely aware of what God considered sin played a major role in helping Joseph keep his distance. He refused to permit his capacity for godly judgment to be over-shadowed by evil opportunities. Allow Joseph’s witness to inspire you to remain faithful to God’s grace and mercy. Choose to live only by standards that bring glory and honor to God.  

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Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord, and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings, too.

~1 Peter 5:8-9 The Living Bible

Grasp God's Greater Things

Bad things happen to good people and when that happens, it’s usually a big surprise. It's understandable and acceptable to believe that when bad things happen to bad people, they get what they deserve. However, it’s troubling when those who deserve punishment, skillfully maneuver authorities and the legal system to escape suffering any consequences.

Joseph was a basically good person who seemed to always be standing at the door of trouble and temptations. Yet Joseph possessed unusual integrity and good judgement as a young person. Can you imagine this young Hebrew taking charge of his master's business affairs? Joseph could be trusted because he was faithful with the gifts God gave him.

          Joseph consistently worked hard without becoming discouraged. He was available to take advantage of both the ordinary and special tasks he was given. Jesus gives us a promise that Joseph surely sensed. “Because you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of greater things.” Try to grasp the great things Jesus has in store for you.   

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I lift my eyes up to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

~Psalm 121:1-2 New International Version

Gifted with God's Gifts

Everyone knows someone who from an early age seemed to have everything. These individuals find favor with people who make it possible for them to express their gifts and talents. Not only do others favor them, God also apparently blesses them in abundance with opportunities beyond what anyone could imagine. 

Joseph was an exceptional young person gifted with qualities of character and conduct that set him apart. God's word tells us he was handsome and physically well built, but in addition Joseph instinctively knew how to use his intelligence and giftedness to build trust and confidence without flaunting his giftedness. 

These attributes assure success, provided your relationship with God is in good standing. God’s favor is secured by keeping your faith and service active. As you search for God’s purpose in everything you experience, you should feel free from anger and disappointment that create grief and sorrow. God demonstrated his love for you by giving Christ Jesus, his best and most precious gift.    

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If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

~Proverbs 3:4-6 The Living Bible

Hope: A Bridge out of Darkness

Evil builds a bridge to sorrow and grief. As a slave in Egypt, Joseph could have submitted to evil's purpose and participated in building a bridge to his own demise. However, his faith made it impossible for him to submit to evil’s purpose. Every duty he was assigned, he did with diligence.

          God's presence insures endurance. Listen to Lamentations 3:21-23.  "I remember my affliction, but because of the Lord's great love, I am not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is God’s faithfulness. I say to myself, 'I will trust in him.' The Lord is good to those who hope in him and who seek him.''

          Joseph possessed hope, which made it possible to see light at the end of a dark tunnel. God's purpose for us is to acknowledge His presence regardless of how dark the moment may be. By knowing God is present and that his mercies endure forever, you can go forward to find purpose and meaning that defines your life.  

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But a hope that is seen is not real hope, for who hopes for what he actually sees? But if we hope for something we do not see, we keep on patiently waiting for it.

~Romans 8:25 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:31 New International Version

Be God's Character Witness

When bad things happen to good people, it tends to generate frustration and sadness. Anger tells us to fight back to regain control. While it’s acceptable to be angry, it’s necessary to keep it in check to prevent overreacting.

 

While Joseph was far from being perfect, he didn't deserve being taken to Egypt and sold as slave. He had choices regarding how he would react. He responded by taking advantage of opportunities to prove he was a responsible person regardless of his situation.

When Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank, was sent to a Nazi concentration camp, he knew survival depended on finding meaning and purpose in this death camp. He did survive while the rest of his family perished. After the war he published The Diary of Anne Frank, which become a classic book and movie. When your heart and mind are set on doing your best even in the worst possible situation, God provides the will and strength for you to be a character witness to his grace and mercy.  

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful that the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your hearts and your minds quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7 The Living Bible

Facing Darkness in God's Light

When Joseph arrived in Egypt as a slave, his future looked dark and scary. It's difficult to imagine what life as a slave would have been like four thousand years ago. Joseph had to adapt to a new language, a different culture and strange religious practices. Joseph was a healthy teenager, so a person of prominence saw him as a good buy.

 

          Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and captain of his bodyguards, purchased Joseph to serve in his home. Genesis 39:2 states factually that "The Lord greatly blessed Joseph in the home of Potiphar so everything he did was a success.” God is with us especially in the darkest days of abandonment and despair.

          God's word does not indicate Joseph became angry and blamed God for his troubles. The fact that God chose to bless Joseph demonstrates God’s faithfulness as he settled into life as a slave. Regardless of what you’re facing, trust God's continual presence and be encouraged by the goodness he provides each day.  

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one.

The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

~Psalm 27:1 Good News Bible