Genesis 39
How many times have you heard “life isn’t fair?” I heard this over and over from my parents growing up! Growing up with 3 older brothers, I was told this a lot. This section of scripture can feel infuriating for us to read. Joseph was accused of taking advantage of Potiphar's wife; but it was actually the complete opposite! Joseph continued to hold his ground while Potiphar’s wife was pressuring him to lie with her. She held his cloak while he ran from her and she used it to twist the narrative. Potiphar was furious about the accusation (rightfully so, if it was true). He threw Joseph into prison! An innocent man thrown into prison. This scripture is a parallel to Jesus. An innocent man, crucified. Joseph is also an encouraging picture of faithfulness during temptation.
What happened to Joseph is unfair. He didn’t even entertain the idea of stepping into sin with Potiphar’s wife. He was standing firm, but she still accused him and he was punished for it. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair. We have all likely experienced times that bad things have happened to us and we got frustrated or discouraged. Verses 21-23 are like a breath of fresh air. Even though Joseph had every right to be frustrated that God would allow that to happen to him, he wasn’t! God was with Him in prison and the wardens showed him favor. Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners and succeeded in all that he did!
Even though he was unjustly accused and punished, he had the comfort and blessings of the Lord. When you place yourself in Joseph’s position, you really have to be honest with how you would react. I know that I would be wrestling with God, likely with frustration and bitterness. However, a good reminder from this story is that God does bless our faithfulness! Even though hard things happen to us, especially within our families, we have to remember that God has a plan.
Parents, your kids are going to say to you “that’s not fair” hundreds of times. Spouses, you’re going to experience unfairness between each other as well. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
What happened to Joseph is unfair. He didn’t even entertain the idea of stepping into sin with Potiphar’s wife. He was standing firm, but she still accused him and he was punished for it. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair. We have all likely experienced times that bad things have happened to us and we got frustrated or discouraged. Verses 21-23 are like a breath of fresh air. Even though Joseph had every right to be frustrated that God would allow that to happen to him, he wasn’t! God was with Him in prison and the wardens showed him favor. Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners and succeeded in all that he did!
Even though he was unjustly accused and punished, he had the comfort and blessings of the Lord. When you place yourself in Joseph’s position, you really have to be honest with how you would react. I know that I would be wrestling with God, likely with frustration and bitterness. However, a good reminder from this story is that God does bless our faithfulness! Even though hard things happen to us, especially within our families, we have to remember that God has a plan.
Parents, your kids are going to say to you “that’s not fair” hundreds of times. Spouses, you’re going to experience unfairness between each other as well. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
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