Let me tell you about Joseph. He had a dream about the sun, moon and stars bowing down to him. He believed it was from God. So guess what he did? He told his whole family. This damaged his relationship with his brothers.
His father Jacob’s favoritism was obvious to everyone. Joseph received the finest robe while his brothers got nothing—a daily reminder of who was truly loved. Jacob favored Joseph because he was the son of his favorite wife. Talk about family drama!
Enraged, his brothers ensured that Joseph could never rule over them by selling him into slavery. Joseph was betrayed and became the lowest of the low.
The Lord Blessed Joseph
Instead of sulking in his misfortune, Joseph worked hard and gave his best in everything he did. Rising in Potiphar’s house, he clung to God. He no longer had a family, but he had God.
“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.” —Genesis 39:5
Joseph was so attractive that Potiphar’s wife tried repeatedly to seduce him. But he refused, saying:
“No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” —Genesis 39:9
Notice something important: He didn’t say, “How could I do this to Potiphar?” He said, “How could I sin against God?” Joseph’s relationship with God was so strong that even in hardship, he refused to compromise his faith.
Is your relationship with God strong enough that when tempted, you can stand firm? Joseph resisted temptation, but his faithfulness in Potiphar’s house would soon face its greatest test.
Falsely Accused
Eventually, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to seduce her. The nerve! Potiphar threw Joseph in prison. Lower than a slave, he reached rock bottom. He could have let the weight of betrayal consume him, but he didn’t.
Even in prison, Joseph was blessed:
“The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” —Genesis 39:21
The king’s chief cupbearer offended the king and was tossed in the same prison as Joseph. The cupbearer had a dream that disturbed him. God gave Joseph the interpretation of the dream. Just as Joseph predicted, the chief cupbearer was restored to his position after three days. But unlike he’d promised, he completely forgot about Joseph, who remained in prison for another two years.
Imagine how Joseph must have felt—first learning that he could do a favor for the chief cupbearer and hoping for help, then realizing after weeks that he was alone again with only God to count on.
Are you in a situation beyond your control? Can you take Joseph as an example and trust in God’s faithfulness? He provided for you in the past and will again in the future.
Pharaoh’s Troubling Dream
When Pharaoh’s dream tormented him and his advisors failed to provide answers, word reached him of a Hebrew prisoner with an unusual gift. When Pharaoh summoned him, Joseph didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due:
“‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'” —Genesis 41:16
Imagine standing before the most powerful ruler in the world and saying, “I can’t do it—but God can.” That takes faith, especially when the king had the power to kill him after he admitted his inability.
God gave Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, along with the wisdom to know what to do next. As a result, Joseph was promoted to second-in-command over all of Egypt. All the hardship he had endured suddenly made sense—he was being prepared for something greater.
After you’ve gone through a trial, can you see what it has done for your character and how it has prepared you for what God has called you to do?
Famine in Israel
Years later, famine struck Israel, and Joseph’s brothers found themselves desperate for food. They heard there was grain in Egypt, so they traveled there—completely unaware that their long-lost brother was now running the place.
Joseph recognized them immediately. These men had caused all his suffering. Perhaps he wanted to make them suffer too. But in the end, he couldn’t hold back any longer. He told them who he was and reassured them, saying:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” —Genesis 50:20
His brothers had sold him into slavery! Anyone could understand wanting nothing to do with them or even wanting to test them. But in the end, Joseph saw the bigger picture. God was faithful to his promise!
Write about a time in your life when God was faithful to his promise.
Faith in God
Joseph chose to forgive. He let go of bitterness and trusted that God had a purpose for everything he went through. That’s why his life reflects the truth of Proverbs 16:20:
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.”
Throughout all his trials, God was with him, preparing him to lead a country and neighboring countries through famine. What he did during the famine saved many lives, including his own family’s. He was reunited with his father.
Reflection Questions:
- Write about a time someone treated you unfairly. How did you respond?
- What dreams or goals feel impossible right now?
Sources and References:
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 37:14, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037%3A14&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 37:20-31, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037%3A20-31&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 39:5, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039%3A5&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Proverbs 16:20, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A20&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 39:9, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039%3A9&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 41:16, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2041%3A16&version=NIV.
Bible Gateway. “Genesis 50:20, New International Version.” BibleGateway, Zondervan, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050%3A20&version=NIV.