Have you ever heard the saying, “What Satan meant for evil, God intended for good?” It comes from the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.
Joseph was sold by his brothers, which by all accounts was a ticket to slavery. It meant that his life would be met with hardship as he was destitute and alone. But the Bible tells us that “the Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered.”
His circumstances weren’t a result of coincidence, luck, or chance—they were finely tuned by the orchestration of God. Every high and low was designed with purpose, and whether he felt like God was beside him or not—He was at work behind the curtain of everyday life bringing forth purpose through pain.
Many would say, as fortune would have it, Joseph found his way into Potiphar’s house. But we know better than that as the sovereignty of God leaves no room for chance. Joseph was in Potiphar’s house by divine intervention and found favor in the eyes of his master because God ordained it to be.
But here’s the thing: while you might be in the exact place God wants you to be, there’s a good chance that you’ll also be tested and tried. Joseph passed the test of temptation, which is what really defines this part of his story. It’s not merely the idea that God blessed him that grabs our attention, it’s the fact that he was obedient to God both in good times and bad.
Joseph could have had anything he wanted. The NIV says, “he was well built and handsome.” He had a prestigious job and the respect of his peers, but there was one thing off limits to him, and that was Potiphar’s wife.
When temptation comes—and I assure you, it will—will you remain faithful to God? Will you deny yourself and take up your cross, or will you give in to the pain?
Temptation is like a constant itch that yearns to be scratched day in and day out. In fact, Verse 10 tells us that Potiphar’s wife tempted him day after day. And so, it’s important that we pick up our cross and keep picking it up. But what does that mean?
A sacrificial life begins in our hearts and our minds. It’s about the choices we make to follow God’s will in lieu of our own. It’s a conscious decision to deny sinful thoughts before they lead to destruction. It’s resisting temptation before it takes root.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, NIV)
Excerpt from Bible Study: The Life of Joseph ad Type of Christ.
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Tilling the Soil
Read Genesis 39.
Planting Hope
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20, NIV)
About the Author
DARLENE SCHACHT is an award-winning and NYT best-selling author. She is the founder of Time-Warp Wife Ministries, an online publication that encourages women to live Christ-centered lives.
Her passion for scripture and hunger for truth is the driving force behind a unique ministry that offers Bible studies and daily marriage prayers. Darlene is joined by her husband Michael on the daily podcast “5-Minute Marriage.”
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