Walking in Faith

Reading: Genesis 37, 39 and 40

Make a note of all the sins committed. In what ways did God use these sinful acts to good purpose?

• Genesis 37:4 — Joseph’s brothers hated him and would not speak peacefully to him
• Genesis 37:5, 8 — They hated him even more after he told them a dream
• Genesis 37:18-28 — His brother’s conspired to kill him but threw him into a pit instead, then they sold him into slavery for silver
• Genesis 37:31-32 — Hid the fact that they sold Joseph into slavery; lied to their father by presenting him with the robe dipped in goats blood
• Genesis 39:7-10 — Potiphar’s wife tried to have sex with Joseph
• Genesis 39:12-18 — She tried to lie with him again but when he fled, she lied and say he tried to lie with her
• Genesis 40:23 — Cupbearer forgot his promise to Joseph once he was comfortable

How was God preparing Joseph for the future?

God was building Joseph’s character. He was making Joseph reliant on Him. Joseph was put into positions where he could not succeed. He was cheated three times in these passages. He didn’t deserve any of them — he was an honest man with integrity. God kept his heart pure while he put him through these trials and tribulations. It was all for the glory of the Lord. To say that this man who went through all of these things would rise to the power that he achieves and the success that he has is only a gift from the Lord.