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Today, the Scripture is taken from: Genesis 39.
Theme verse:
“… Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him…” Genesis 39: 1 (ESV)
Joseph’s life changed dramatically in Genesis 39. He went from being Daddy’s favorite to being sold into slavery. However, through the providence of God, Joseph achieved a measure of success. In Genesis 39, we read, “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered” (verse 2). Potiphar took notice: “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” (verses 3-4).
Despite having been sold into slavery, Joseph was on track for having a decent life. He was put in charge of the whole household of the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Potiphar trusted Joseph. God showered blessings on everything that Joseph was responsible for.
Not bad for a teenager, right?
What might Joseph have been thinking during this time? Did he think about his dreams? Or would he have been content to spend the rest of his life overseeing Potiphar’s household?
For Joseph, getting thrown in prison probably seemed like a big setback. He’d already experienced the trauma of being sold into slavery, but God was with Joseph and allowed him to land on his feet. Just as Joseph achieved a new normal, the rug got ripped out from under him again. This guy couldn’t get a break.
Life doesn’t make sense sometimes. Why would God grant Joseph all that success, only to yank it away?
Suppose someone had appeared to Joseph and said, “Joseph, you have two options. You can stay in your current position for the rest of your life, or you can get thrown into prison. Which do you want?” Joseph most likely would not have opted for prison.
But Joseph being thrown into prison was the next step in God’s plan. Because Joseph was in prison, he met Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Because he met them, he had the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, which in turn led to him becoming the second most powerful person in Egypt.
Now, God is sovereign, and he has infinite resources. There are many other ways he could have gotten Joseph where he needed to be. It’s not that God was forced to put Joseph in prison if he wanted the rest of the story to work out. That’s an important caveat.
It’s also important to note the horrible injustice of Joseph’s imprisonment. Recognizing that God has a good plan doesn’t mean closing our eyes to the fact that bad things often happen to good people. Or that disease, corruption, and sin run rampant as a result of the fall. One day, God will overcome evil for good, and we should look forward to that day. The fact that he can work amidst bad things for our good doesn’t change the fact that the bad things are, in themselves, bad.
That said, Joseph’s story has great relevance for us as we navigate this in the meantime. The main takeaway here is that our perspective is different from God’s. He has inside information that we don’t have:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33–36
The setbacks we face in our lives are frustrating and painful. But God sees the big picture and knows the end from the beginning.
Are you facing a detour or dead end? Maybe you have been passed over by another for a promotion, or you’ve been laid off as your company downsizes. Maybe it’s something much more heart-wrenching and painful.
We shouldn’t minimize hardship with a dismissive, “Oh, in all things God works for the good.” Romans 8:28. God does work for our good. But the answers that will speak to your heart are the ones that come as you press into God’s heart and hear from him. No one can short-circuit that process for you.
Ultimately, your journey is your own, but examples like Joseph can be helpful. His life shows us that God has a good plan. You can trust God with your dreams, with your career, with your family. God is good even when we have no idea what he is up to. Let us proclaim Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,... to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV) and see His Almighty hand at work in our lives.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, be gentle with us as we handle the reality in our lives. Times when we have unjust treatment, are sidelined for promotion or in difficult moments. You have a purpose for everything that happens. God of hope, fill us with peace that we may abound in hope. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Time for Reflections.