Genesis 39 Devotional

The LORD Was with Joseph

“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.”Genesis 39:2 (BSB)

In Egypt Joseph is a slave, far from home, with every reason to think God has forgotten him. But the chapter keeps repeating one line: the LORD was with Joseph (39:2-3, 39:21, 39:23). Potiphar sees it and puts him in charge of everything. When Potiphar's wife tries again and again to seduce him, Joseph refuses, asking how he could do such a great evil and sin against God (39:9). She accuses him falsely, and he is thrown into prison.

Doing right lands Joseph in a cell, and the chapter does not pretend otherwise. But the same line follows him there. The LORD is with him, shows him kindness, and gives him favor with the warden (39:21). Stephen summed up Joseph's life this way: his brothers sold him, but God was with him (Acts 7:9). God's presence does not always change your circumstances right away. It goes with you into them, which is why faithfulness is never wasted.

To think about: Where do you need to remember that the LORD is with you, even if your circumstances have not changed?