PROBLEM OF MAN

In Genesis 37, we see that Joseph belonged to a dysfunctional family where his brothers greatly hated him for being his father’s “favorite” to the point that they wanted to kill him. Eventually, this hatred led them to abuse Joseph: stripping him off his clothes, throwing him into a pit, and eventually selling him off as a slave.

Some people quit when faced with problems. However, these problems, along with trials and disappointments train us for life and success. We must embrace a divine perspective, seeing that we can face these things with joy in our hearts and knowing we are being taught to persevere and to trust in God (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7). When we know who God is and how much He loves us, we see problems in a new light. We learn to overcome failures and challenges! 

PRESENCE OF GOD

Even though Joseph was sold as a slave, “the LORD was with Joseph” and caused all that he did to prosper (Genesis 39:3). When the wife of Potiphar pressured Joseph to commit adultery with her, Joseph decided to run away from temptation; he did not want to sin against God (v.7-9). Even with the persistence of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph did not give in because he knew who God was in his life. Joseph was imprisoned because of this refusal, but the Lord remained with him and extended kindness to him (v.21).  

True success is living a life pleasing to God and acknowledging the presence of God. Moses likewise understood the importance of God’s presence and interceded for this in the wilderness (Exodus 33:14-15). In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), peace, and confidence. Jesus also promised to be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) so that we may be confident in Him (Hebrews 13:5-6). We can function properly when we are conscious of God’s presence — even in the midst of chaos. 

PLAN OF GOD

Despite the challenges, Joseph had to learn to trust and believe that God had a plan. Even while he was in jail, Joseph still helped interpret the dreams of two people: Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:1-14). Their dreams revealed that the baker was to be put to death while the cupbearer was to be restored to his office. Joseph then requested the cupbearer to mention him to Pharaoh that he may be released (vv.14-15), but it took two years for him to do this — exactly when Pharaoh needed someone to interpret his dream (Genesis 41:1,9)! Joseph was released to interpret the king’s dream and wisely counseled to Pharaoh to prepare for a coming famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh made him prime minister of Egypt (v.39-40, 46).

People will sometimes forget and disappoint us, but God never will. To be truly successful, we must avoid thinking that God is not good. We must embrace His presence even in the worst times (Psalm 27:13-14) and trust His plan. Even though it took 2 years for Joseph to be released, God’s plan for him was still fulfilled. Joseph even declared that while his brothers did him harm, God superseded it and meant it for good by using him to save many lives during the famine (Genesis 50:20).  Although Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave to Egypt, God used it to fulfill His greater purpose.

God causes all things to work together for our good and His purpose (Romans 8:28), all we need to do is trust and love Him completely!

LAST WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)