Have you found yourself in a season of turmoil where you have faced deception, lies, betrayal, and lonliness? Joseph's life brings about hope in a God who creates beauty out of troubling seasons.
Genesis 39: 13-23
"And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."
Joseph had false charges brought against him. His master's wife wanted what did not belong to her and sought for it by force. When she realized she would not get what she wanted, she resorted to destroying the reputation of Joseph by lying about his integrity. These statements were false, yet threatened to destroy his reputation. It caused so much damage to his name that he was thrown in prison. But a beautiful statement in Scripture found in verse 21 of Genesis chapter 39 says that the "Lord was with Joseph."
A prison is not a favorable place to be in. He has already faced the turmoil of his brothers hating him enough to sell him, and now he is in prison for something he did not do. Yet, Joseph kept his integrity, the same integrity that his master's wife thought she so cleverly destroyed. Even though the prison circumstances were not favorable and we never hear of the accusation being cleared, we see Joseph continuing to serve and do what was right in his prison season. God was with him and was working in ways he has yet to see.
If you are walking through a “prison” season where you have had lies spread that have caused you to find yourself in a place of despair, remember this story. It is not a story of Joseph, his integrity, his faith, or his seemingly ill fortune. No this is a story of a sovereign God building the life of a man he was going to use. It’s a story of a faithful God who loves his child and teaches him in the prison that He is with Him. It’s a story of the God who is all we need in those dark places. The only affirmation and approval we need is from Him. No matter what was said or done, it is a story of God lovingly and faithfully shaping this man.
Sometimes, our eyes in these Biblical stories focus on ourself and cause us to miss the main point. Through hatred, betrayal, lies, deception, loneliness, and loss, God was with Him.
Though hated by others, God showed him love.
Though betrayed by family, God never turned from him.
Though lies were spread, God saw everything and the truth was not hidden.
Though lonely in prison, God was there.
Though he was deceived by man, God was faithful.
The main character is God. An unfailing, unwavering Savior. The reassurance of Him being with you and loving you is enough. Let Him be enough.
As we read Scripture, we get to see the whole story - one of redemption and God’s magnificent power displayed through Joseph’s life. Looking back at his life, he stated, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” He saw the evil as a beautiful tool that God used to shape him, and God's redeeming power in His life.
If you have yet to hear this beautiful song based off of Joseph's life, take a moment to listen! I know it will be a blessing to you!
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