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Genesis 39:6b–20 ‘How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ (v9)

In our reading today we have an insight into Joseph’s character and faith. He is doing his best to live in an upright and godly manner. He chooses to actively avoid Potiphar’s wife by refusing to be with her
and resists the constant temptation. It is his faith that helps him in this. It seems unfair then that, as he is fleeing from sin, he ends up accused of the wrongdoing and lands in jail.

Just as Joseph was beginning to prosper, albeit as a slave, everything is taken from him again. Hopes dashed once more – the injustice of the situation. Imagine how Joseph must have felt. How would we have coped with similar circumstances? Perhaps we would want justice, or at the very least our side of the story to be presented… and yet there is no record of Joseph ever complaining about his lot.

That’s a lesson we can learn from Joseph. He had a right to complain and protest his innocence, and yet there is no record of him doing so. I wonder if our record would be so clean.

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A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, help me not to complain when I find myself in difficult times, but to wholly trust You and believe in Your wisdom and love for me. Amen.’

An Action To Take:
Find some scriptures that will encourage your faith and help you resist the devil in your hour of temptation.

Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 13; Hab. 3:17–19; Eph. 6:10–17; Phil. 2:12–16; Jas 4:7–8

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.