Bible Chapter: Genesis 39

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This chapter starts one of the great stories of the Bible.  Joseph’s adventures in Egypt is a story of God’s planing and provision, God’s blessing and of Joseph’s integrity, his desire to serve God.  Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave and a military leader named Potiphar bought him.  One of the first things we see is that God was with Joseph and prospered him.  God will be with His people even in the worst situations.  Potiphar recognized this and gave Joseph a very high position.  Things went well for Potiphar because he put Joseph in a position of responsibility.  I wonder what happened to his household after Joseph was put in prison.  Did God pull His blessings?  I wonder if his wife ever admitted her lies when things fell apart.  When he was sent to prison, Joseph was again promoted and given responsibility.
    The story of Joseph is the story of a person who had so many things go bad in life, and yet he remained faithful to God.  It would have been very easy for him to accept Mrs. Potiphar’s advances, since he was a slave in a foreign country.  It would have been very easy for him to be bitter against his brothers and throw away everything he had learned about God.  He didn’t do any of these things.  He recognized the importance of serving God and didn’t make excuses.  Because of his faithfulness to God and his desire to please Him, God was with Joseph every step of the way.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Keep on keeping on.  Keep the right focus on serving God and don’t throw away His amazing gift of life and hope just because things are not going the way we think they should. I have seen people get mad at God when things don’t go they way they want.  People can act as if they are the supreme being and God is simply the power at their beck and call who will do what they want.  Joseph is an excellent example of doing what God calls us to do.  He is a good example of keeping eternity in focus and not giving up.  In the end, those who are faithful to Jesus will see the whole picture of God’s plan.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see Jesus.  I want to help them see that God has a plan and it will be an amazing plan.  Don’t give up.  Don’t quit.  Don’t compromise and be drawn into the lies of the world.  Jesus really does know what He is doing.  Trust Him.