Focal Passage: Genesis 39:21-23; 40:5-8; 41:1-14
If ever a biblical character got a ‘raw deal’ it was Joseph. Given exceptional spiritual abilities in dreams and visions, he was rejected by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, forgotten in prison, and misunderstood throughout his life. Yet, God was at work through the things that seemed to go terribly wrong. But were they wrong? No, at least not from God’s perspective. What many intended for evil, God orchestrated for the good (Genesis 50:20).
God’s favor is not hindered by setbacks (Genesis 39:21-23) — Falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife, Jospeh was sent to prison to serve time for something he did not do. A terrible injustice. Yet, even in prison God gave Joseph favor in the eyes of the prison warden, with accompanying authority. God was with Joseph. God gave him success. This reminds us that God’s favor in our lives is not determined by the circumstances of our lives. God doesn’t wait for our lives to be pleasant and peaceful before He blesses us. The God who controls all things grants His favor no matter the circumstances of life.
Shrum
God can and does use (design) any and all situations of life (Genesis 40:5-8) — Prison turned out to be fertile ground for Jospeh’s gifts. Both the cupbearer and baker had dreams that would impact their lives and the Egyptian kingdom. The interpretation of their dreams turned out to be correct. The baker was hanged to death, while the cupbearer was restored to his place as advisor and counselor to the king. At the center of it all was Joseph, remaining faithful, undeterred, calm, and at peace because he knew God was faithful to His promises.
God’s faithfulness and our faith in him lead to greater opportunities (Genesis 41:10-14) — Because Jospeh was faithful to God greater opportunities of service came. The restored chief baker was once again in a place of influence with Pharaoh. Pharaoh was having dreams and nightmares that no one could understand or interpret. At just the right time for a divine appointment, the baker remembered Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. Joseph was called for and, as we now know, the rest is history. Joseph himself was saved and elevated, a nation was saved from starvation, and God’s purposes for Israel continued.
There are times that life seems to go terribly wrong. If that ‘terribly wrong’ is due to our own sin, then we ought not to be surprised at the outcomes. But many times, life goes ‘terribly wrong’ even when we are faithful. We ought not be surprised. Righteous living can and does produce peace and calm; but it can also produce turmoil and disruption. This is when we must remember John 16:33: “I (Jesus) have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
It is good to remember the worst ‘terribly wrong event of all time’ — the murderous crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Yet, Acts 2:22-24 notes this great truth: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know – this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” What appeared terribly wrong turned out to be wonderfully right for the saving of sinners! B&R
