I have always loved studying the life of Joseph in Genesis, but as I prepared my lesson for my bible study group this week, it really began to hit home what Joseph was faced with.
In Genesis 39:1-6, Joseph has already been through the betrayal of those closest to him, has become of victim of human trafficking, has arrived in a foreign country, and has been sold like a piece of meat. This was a young man who was to be the successor and heir to his father's fortune and property back home. He went from being the favored son to being a slave. Joseph did not choose his life - it was thrust upon him savagely and violently.
By the time we read the verses in chapter 30 of Genesis above, he has come to realize a new normal. He has come to reside in a country in which he does not know the language, he has no concept of the customs, and the culture is a complete mystery to him. He could have sat in his misery and spent his time and energy thinking of all the hurt and cruelty his brothers had shown him - setting himself up for more hurt every time he did. He could have felt sorry for himself and become depressed and anxious. But he didn't. He could have decided that he was going to do his job and keep his nose clean and his head down and not draw attention to himself. But he didn't do that either. He could have become angry and bitter. Nope. Not Joseph.
Instead, Joseph apparently learned a new language, learned a new way of doing business, and learned new management skills. He learned a whole new way of thinking and a completely new and different way of life.This would have required a LOT of hard work outside of his regular duties. He had to put in the effort to make his situation better.
What are some things we can learn from Joseph in this passage?
1. God was with him and he was blessed. Even though Joseph was in a situation that he would not have chosen, the scripture says God blessed him and he was successful. Not because he had everything he wanted, or wealth, or position - but because he had the Lord. Over and over in the bible God has promised that He will be with us and will not forsake us. The very name of Jesus - Immanuel - means 'God with us'. Jesus Himself told us that He would 'be with us until the end of the age." He is with us in an even better way than He was with Joseph because He has given us His Holy Spirit to live inside of us. Even in a place not of our choosing, God is with us and we can be blessed and have successful lives.
2. He trusted God in a difficult circumstance. How are we to live when times are hard? In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul says he learned to be content in any situation. When he was fed and when he was hungry, when he had plenty and when he didn't. 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 gives us additional insight into some of what Paul lived through and had learned to be content in. Paul's secret was the strength he found through his relationship with the living Christ. Because he had the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life, he could find the strength to cope.
3. We may find ourselves in a bad situation that is not of our making but we can work at it to make it better. Joseph couldn't change his circumstances. He couldn't make it back to his family on his own, so he worked hard to learn a new way to live and make the best of where he was. God was with him and God blessed him in that. We never one time have recorded in scripture that Joseph whined and complained about what was happening in his life. He just worked at it to make the new normal the best he possibly could. John 10:10 talks about how the thief wants to steal our abundant life, but Jesus came so we could have it. Never in this verse does it mention that the abundant life is circumstantial. If we have Jesus, we have abundant life. But we can allow Satan to use our circumstances to steal our joy, our peace, and our faith. WE have to resist the devil as James 4:7 tells us and take hold of what Christ has already given us.
4. Because of Joseph's response to his situation, both in Potiphar's house and in PRISON, people could tell that the Lord was with him. The way we respond to trials is our testimony to a lost world. Are we wallowing in our pain and frustration? Are we whining and complaining to anyone who will listen? Are we railing at God and those we feel are responsible for our problems? OR are we demonstrating that we can do all things through Christ and placing our faith and trust in the One who has all things in His hand and under His sovereign control?
Sweet Jesus, Thank You that You are in control of every aspect of my life, if I will give it over to You. Thank You that You are in control of history and all the circumstances happening in this world. Help us to trust You. Help us to find our strength in You. You alone are God and there is NONE like You.
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