Prospering In Hard Times

Genesis 39

Psalm 23:4 says that even though we go through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us and we will not fear anything. Joseph’s life in this chapter demonstrates God’s abiding presence with the righteous irrespective of what is happening in their lives. Joseph was in the worst of situations of his life. He was sold by his brothers to his distant relatives the Ishmaelites, bought by Potiphar and was cast into prison for not sleeping with Mrs. Potiphar. But through it all, God was with him to make him fruitful and exert influence wherever he found himself. God’s presence makes all the difference. 

What can we learn from this?

#1. God is with us in strange places. (Genesis 39:1-6)

The first lesson we can learn from Genesis 39 is that God is always with the righteous when they find themselves even in strange and foreign places. Joseph was sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar, the Egyptian, in a land which was strange and foreign to him but not strange and foreign to God. Why? Because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24). Nothing is hidden from the presence of God. He is everywhere and sees everything. No wonder the presence of God in his life caused him to prosper and his master testified about it. God can cause the righteous to succeed in any place He wants them to be. Geographical location does not reduce the influence of God.

#2. God is with us in challenging circumstances. (Genesis 39:6-23)

The next important thing we learn is summarized by what Psalm 46:1 says that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Mrs. Potiphar lied about Joseph that he slept with her, landing him in prison. There was no one to defend him but God was with him even in the prison. He did not agree to the sexual advances of Mrs. Potiphar but he suffered for it without complaining. When we stand for God, God will stand for us. He will cause us to thrive in times of challenges. Circumstances do not change a man, it merely reveals who he is.

The story of the righteous is not free from adversities but God keeps them safely and prospers them in any condition that works against them.

Take Action: Turn your challenges to God and He will turn them around.