Genesis 39: 1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
This passage of scripture gives us in precis form, the general tenor of Joseph's experience in Egypt, for he arrived as a slave, but through the grace of God and cooperation on his part, he steadily rose to the second highest office in a nation, which was at that time the world's most cultured and advanced. Joseph however was not served success on a silver platter, for like any ordinary Joe, he had humble beginnings, which at times seemed to be contrary to what we may call success. First of all he had the challenge of learning and becoming proficient in a foreign language. Next he did not have the support of any family or friends, and more than this, he was sold as a slave to Potiphar, captain of the Egyptian guard.
The training that was necessary for Joseph to become the best that he could be, had been to some extent hindered by his parents, for some of the actions often taken by well intentioned fathers and mothers actually do more harm than good, and so it was necessary for Joseph to eat some "Humble pie" before God could raise him to a level of renown and prosperity. God often places His chosen people in trying circumstances, that seem to be negatively charged by the casual observer. But what we often view as being daunting circumstances are really necessary for the building of sturdy character, because it is a proven fact that negative circumstances often bring out the best in people.
When we consider God's agenda for Joseph's training, contrasted with what his parents would have suggested, we see a world of difference in both approach and outcome. On God's agenda for Joseph's training and development were permitted temptations to adultery, permitted slander and malice by a covetous, lusting senior, jail time for several years, and interpretations of dreams to round off the package. Definitely not your average parenting agenda for a favorite kid. But in all and through it all, the Bible says that God was with Joseph, and made everything he did to prosper in his hand.
This is the most important point that is made in the entire narrative, for it does not matter what hurdles we have to surmount, or what kind of trials we may need to bear, if God be with us, then who can be against us? Often, the path of the Christian is beset by foes without and within, and sometimes it is only through the difficult challenges of life that our characters blossom, and bear fruit. As a matter of fact, history shows that when people are down in the valley, being tempted and harassed by the evil one, facing poverty, uncertainty and other severe challenges, then it is that we usually cling tenaciously to God as our only Refuge and Strength.
When David was being hunted like a wild beast by king Saul, when he had to look over his shoulder night and day for fear of being discovered, then it was that he threw himself helplessly on the might arm of God trusting, praying, praising Him every day. But after he was brought to the throne, he began to relax his hold on Christ after a while, and began to neglect the hour of prayer and praise, and it was in this state of ease, comfort and luxury, that the devil lay lurking to put a stranglehold on him.
God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, so when we are faced with difficulties beyond our control , or when faced with disappointments and trying circumstances, let us remember Joseph in Egypt, whom God brought from nothing to make him something in the greatest land of the then known world. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to trust the wisdom of God in all situations for what ever God does He does it best. Let's read:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
May God bless His word to our hearts that we may trust implicitly in Him trough all the vicissitudes of life, for He is faithful to all that He has promised us. "Good night" and God bless!