January 13, 2024 - Genesis 39-41

“Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.  The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (39:1-2).  This “success” was comprised of place, reputation, responsibilities, and material goods.  “The Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands” (39:3).  Joseph had it all . . . until he didn’t.  A good reminder that, though life might be good and one might enjoy blessings all around, there is no guarantee that one’s situation in this life is set without change.  Joseph had already learned this lesson when, though being favored by his father, things turned for him when his brothers sold him into slavery.  And he was about to learn this lesson, again, when falsely accused and thrown into prison.

Given the ability by God to interpret dreams, Joseph’s fortunes turned, yet again.  Pharaoh said of him, “’Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?’  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are’” (41:38-39).  As we know, Joseph was eventually set over all of Pharaoh’s house, second only to Pharaoh himself.  Another lesson:  No matter what the day brings, we must remain true to God and trust him.  It is so easy, when things turn bad, very bad, to question God, to accuse him, and to turn away from him.  Let us be like Joseph, faithful and trusting whatever the day brings. What joy is ours when we trust him!

God is faithful; this my refuge;

When the storms of trial rise:

Help is coming, swiftly coming

From the hills beyond the skies.

God is faithful, ever faithful;

I will trust him all the way;

God is faithful ever faithful,

He will keep me night and day.   -- Eliza E. Hewitt (1898)