TUESDAY February 28, 2023

God Is With Us

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”
Acts 7:9-10

Stephen began to recite the story of Joseph before the council. He was Jacob’s favorite son. The rest of his brothers were envious of him. When his father sent Joseph to check on his brothers, they saw him and said to one another, “Why don’t we just get rid of him?” At first, they placed him in a pit. Then they changed their minds and decided to sell him to passing merchants. Joseph was sold to the house of Potiphar in Egypt, and here he began the next season of his life––but God was with him.

The brothers killed a goat, placed its blood on Joseph’s garment, and showed the bloodied coat to their father. They outright lied to him, saying a wild animal had killed his son. Imagine, their father was emotionally ripped apart with his grief (Genesis 37).

God was with Joseph and promoted him within the house of Potiphar. He was left in charge of all his household. Potiphar’s wife desired him, as he was young, strong and handsome. Every day she pursued him. When her husband went on a journey, she decided to plan a time when they would be alone.

Potiphar’s wife arranged a time for the male servants to be gone. The seductress made herself ready to seduce Joseph. She grabbed his clothing and demanded he lie with her. He was in the prime of life, but he did not yield to the temptation. Instinctively, in the fear of God, He did what was right. He ran out naked, while she cried, “Rape!” Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph, and he was put in jail for years––but God was with him.

God honored Joseph because he trusted Him. While in jail, Joseph was favored and became a leader among the men. In God’s perfect time, using his gift of interpreting dreams, Joseph would eventually become second in command in Pharaoh’s kingdom (Genesis 39-41).

Through all the seasons of your life, no matter how difficult, know this one truth––God is with you!

God is with us, and His power is around us.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!