Genesis 39 -- Character When It Counts

In my commentary, I’d read yesterday about the contrast between what Judah did with his daughter-in-law versus what Joseph didn’t do with his boss’ wife.  The difference between these two brothers was striking.  “Joseph refused to compromise himself with Potiphar’s wife, but Judah casually slept with a strange woman he thought was a prostitute.”  Joseph’s part of that contrast took place in this chapter.  What a difference!

I’ve often heard it said that character is what a man would do if he knew no one else would ever find out, and Joseph’s character shined out here.  While many would likely sulk and barely perform their assigned tasks if they found themselves in similar circumstances, Joseph made a hand.  He is “a good example of a believer who trusted God and made the best of his difficult circumstances … Joseph would rather have been at home, but he made the best of his circumstances in Egypt, and God blessed him … God took note of Joseph’s character, and unknown to Joseph, God planned to fulfill the dreams He had sent him … Had he stayed home with his pampering father, Joseph might not have developed the kind of character that comes from hard work and obeying orders.  God’s method for building us is to give us a job to do and people to obey.  He tests us as servants before He promotes us to be rulers.  Before He allows us to exercise authority, we have to be under authority and learn to obey.”

Had Joseph given in to Potiphar’s wife, he might have enjoyed moments of pleasure, but his sin might have disqualified him from the plan God had for him.  The dreams God had given him helped keep Joseph on the right path.

“God permitted Joseph to be treated unjustly and put in prison to help build his character and prepare him for the tasks that lay ahead.  The prison would be a school where Joseph would learn to wait on the Lord … He would learn that God’s delays are not God’s denials.”

Father, You’ve shown me through the adoptions of my sons that You are faithful and that I need only wait on You to do everything in Your timing.  You know the struggles I face right now, and I can see from what I read today that this too may be a character-building time.  Help me to wait on You and to trust You.  Thank You for being faithful.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford