Genesis 29:2 – “But God was with Joseph…”

Today, as I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God, I was reminded of God’s unique way of imparting truth and illustrating life. A prime example is the Book of Genesis and the story of Joseph. His history contains an unmatched life lesson applicable to our encounters.

Joseph had an extremely volatile family.    He exasperated the situation by being his father’s favorite, but that was not his fault.   When the teenager (Joseph) told on his brothers, he gave them further reasons to hate him.    What they were doing is unknown, but his tattling made him a pariah to them.

To make matters worse, he was the baby of the family and got Ruben’s rightful special coat, the coat of the firstborn.   That was another nail in the coffin of harmonious relationships and became a seething cauldron of hate.

Had it stopped there, there might have been hope of reconciliation in time, but he had dreams of ruling over them.   Imagine how they felt.  This brat has visions of ruling over us.  That stoked the flames of resentment.   It might have been youthful arrogance and ignorance that prompted him to share his dreams with them.

Their retaliation came when they sold him to the Ishmaelites, who sold him to Potiphar.   Here is where I see God’s humor on display—not the events but Moses’ declaration in relating this account in Genesis 39:2. He says, “But God was with Joseph…”    

Tap the brakes, Moses.    Are you kidding me?   Where is God?   We have all been there at some point in our lives when troubles were overwhelming us.   And we profess, “God is with me.”   Yet, He seems light years away!

Joesph received favorable treatment in Potiphar’s house, and things were looking up.  Then, he refused the advances and attempted seduction of Potiphar’s amorous wife.   She falsely accused him of sexual assault, and he was thrown into prison.

Then, once again, we read in Genesis 39:23, “God was with Joseph.”   In a time like that, I have thought, “Lord, if this is You being with me, I’m not sure I can survive You being against me. If this is help, it sure doesn’t look like it.”   I have been there, and I’m sure you have, too!

Then, we find him excelling in prison, only to be forgotten by the king’s baker.   After two long years, God’s help becomes visible.   Rooted in that reality, I say never lose sight of the vision and call.   The journey may have enormous potholes, but staying faithful to God and the call will bring fruition if we continue!

As Burton McCafferty famously said, “God can pull us through anything if we can stand the pull.”   The question is, can we stand the pull?   God is faithful, and His ways are beyond finding out.   We do not have to understand it.   We simply remain faithful.   God does not lie and has never failed, and you won’t be His first failure!   So, let me encourage you to Hang On!   Believe!   Victory is coming because it already is in Him!

Have a great day, and remember that God loves you!