Articles
Regardless
Few stories compare with the sheer drama and pathos of Joseph’s life as recorded in Genesis. How thankful we can be not only that Joseph emerged as victor over tragedy and temptation, but also that God preserved the record of his remarkable life for our benefit (Romans 15:4).
What can be said about Joseph?
1) He was a dependable, honest worker, whether as a slave of Potiphar or as a trusty in prison.
2) He maintained his purity in spite of repeated temptation.
3) He kept his faith even when he didn’t know that God was working all these things together for good (Romans 8:28).
4) He remained humble even after being promoted to second-in-command under Pharaoh and continued to honor God in all circumstances.
5) He forgave his brothers who had hated him and sold him into slavery.
Whether up or down, Joseph was faithful. Whether it was convenient or not, he did what was right. Whatever happened, he never lost his hold on God.
As a result, God was able to use him mightily. But could God have used him had Joseph reacted as so many others would have? What if he had nursed a grudge against his brothers? What if he had given in to the seductions of Potiphar’s wife? What if he had become bitter because of having been sold into slavery, being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, unjustly jailed, and then left in prison because the king’s cupbearer forgot him? Or what if he had let pride get the best of him when Pharaoh promoted him over all Egypt?
Although our experiences are quite different from his, aren’t we also tempted to indulge our passions, be vindictive, become bitter, and be prideful?
Regardless of circumstances, will we be faithful?
