[Genesis 39-40]

H – Genesis 39:9b, “……How then can I do this great wicked-ness and sin against God?”

E – Joseph faced many ups and downs. He experienced mountain top highs and deep valley lows. But regardless if he was in the pit (Gen. 37), the palace, or prison, God was with him. In any situation Jospeh found himself in he refused to sin against God (v.9). 

Joseph asked a rhetorical question in v.9, “How can I do this?” He knew the answer. He knew that he shouldn’t and couldn’t do such a thing. His first and primary concern was that it was against God’s will. Another man’s wife is off limits. Second, Joseph didn’t want to loose the trust of his integrity. Potiphar, his master, trusted him with everything (v.8). Joseph, had worked hard to gain trust as he allowed the Lord to work in and though him. How could he break that trust? Thirdly, he simply couldn’t do it for the sake of Potiphar. I’m sure because of the position Joseph found himself in that he had a great respect for Potiphar. Why would he want to wrong Potiphar and jeopardize the favor shown to him?

Joseph held his integrity, turning and running away from what he knew he shouldn’t and couldn’t do. Yet, because of the manipulative lies of a woman that couldn’t get her way Joseph found himself back in an unexpected predicament; PRISON. However, this is the greatest thing we can read today to encourage our faithfulness to God, “But the LORD was with Jospeh” (v.21). It was from Jospeh’s obedience that he experienced the steadfast love and favor of God (v.21). And, that would be enough to give him the success needed to keep pressing in God’s purposes (v.23)

A – I cannot dictate all of my life’s journey. Sometimes things happen that are outside of my control. Figuratively speaking I know I have found myself in the uncertainty of the pit, the highs of the palace, and the lows of prison. And, I’m sure I will experience them all again and again. Wherever I am in life, I don’t have to experience it alone. The same God that was with Joseph (v.2, 3, 21, 23) is the same God that will be with me. And the same God that demanded obedience in the OT is the same God that demands obedience today. It is in obedience that I find steadfast love, favor, and successful victory. Therefore, continue to make safeguards in my life that would not lead me to sin against God, loose my integrity, and wrong others. 

R – Lord God, thank you for being with me. Regardless if I’ve been in the pit, the palace, or prison you have made yourself known to me when I take my eyes and problems off of me and look to you. Lord, you have been faithful to rescue me again and again. I praise you for giving me success when I’ve been wronged and forgiveness when I have wronged. Help me to control the things that I do or don’t do today as I look to you. 

In Jesus Name!