December 30 - Genesis 39-44
This passage stands in stark contrast to yesterday's reading, doesn't it? Joseph's life gives hope to all of us who try to faithfully serve God with all of our hearts. It shows us that our troubles do not have to end in defeat, but they can end in success. In fact, the theme of this passage could be success, whereas in our reading yesterday, the trials brought pain and strife. What was the difference? Let the Lord show you that today.
Joseph was different from the beginning. When he was 17 years old, God was showing him things in his dreams. God was preparing him for the future. Why was God doing that? The accounts of his life we read this morning show us the reason. Joseph put all of his trust in God, and he lived a life of integrity before God and other people. God will bless that kind of person in many ways, just as He blessed Joseph.
In chapter 39 Joseph is a slave to Potipher, but God blesses him, because of his trust in Him and integrity. Look at verse 9. Joseph knew that to sin with Potipher's wife was a sin against God. That is why he would not do it. He was trusting God's commands. He was a person of complete integrity in running his house, too. Do you see the connection? Then, he was falsely accused and put in prison. However, in prison he was blessed by God, too. God showed him the dreams of the butler and baker of the king. God did this because Joseph was trusting Him to give the interpretation, and he always gave God the credit. (40:8) This did not get him out of jail, but it caused God to bless him while he was in jail.
Then, we see God's ultimate plan unfold. Joseph became second in command in Egypt to save his family and many others from a famine. Do you see that if he had not been in prison, this would not have happened? Therefore, even though he went through 12 years of trouble, God was with him, and He was bringing him to the place of success for him. This should encourage all of us to trust God, even in the trials of life, and not to become discouraged. God even used this process to fulfill his dreams of his family bowing down to him and to reunite his family. God had it all worked out. He always does. We must trust him and not try to do it our way.
Do you see the difference now between today's reading and yesterday's reading. The people who did it their way caused the pain and strife. When Joseph did it God's way, the results brought unity and joy. What a difference! Is that what you want in your life? If you do, then live a life of trusting God and a life of integrity, and God will bless you, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 45-50.
Joseph was different from the beginning. When he was 17 years old, God was showing him things in his dreams. God was preparing him for the future. Why was God doing that? The accounts of his life we read this morning show us the reason. Joseph put all of his trust in God, and he lived a life of integrity before God and other people. God will bless that kind of person in many ways, just as He blessed Joseph.
In chapter 39 Joseph is a slave to Potipher, but God blesses him, because of his trust in Him and integrity. Look at verse 9. Joseph knew that to sin with Potipher's wife was a sin against God. That is why he would not do it. He was trusting God's commands. He was a person of complete integrity in running his house, too. Do you see the connection? Then, he was falsely accused and put in prison. However, in prison he was blessed by God, too. God showed him the dreams of the butler and baker of the king. God did this because Joseph was trusting Him to give the interpretation, and he always gave God the credit. (40:8) This did not get him out of jail, but it caused God to bless him while he was in jail.
Then, we see God's ultimate plan unfold. Joseph became second in command in Egypt to save his family and many others from a famine. Do you see that if he had not been in prison, this would not have happened? Therefore, even though he went through 12 years of trouble, God was with him, and He was bringing him to the place of success for him. This should encourage all of us to trust God, even in the trials of life, and not to become discouraged. God even used this process to fulfill his dreams of his family bowing down to him and to reunite his family. God had it all worked out. He always does. We must trust him and not try to do it our way.
Do you see the difference now between today's reading and yesterday's reading. The people who did it their way caused the pain and strife. When Joseph did it God's way, the results brought unity and joy. What a difference! Is that what you want in your life? If you do, then live a life of trusting God and a life of integrity, and God will bless you, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 45-50.