# 368 Trusting God In Adversity

The Book of Genesis

Day 368

Ge 39:13 And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,  14 that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, "See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.  15 "And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside."  16 So she kept his garment with her until his master came home.  17 Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, "The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me;  18 "so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside."  19 So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, "Your servant did to me after this manner," that his anger was aroused.  20 Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.  21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.  23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.

I am reminded of the words of James here. He wrote in Jas 4:1, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”

Potiphar’s wife unable to obtain what she was lusting after, resorts to war! She will fix this Hebrew who dared resist her advances! Let’s see how his God will help him, when he is thrust into the king’s prison!

Yes, let’s see! In spite of this terrible turn of events, we shall see that the Lord’s hand is still with Joseph! God once again shows Joseph mercy and grants him favor in the sight of the prison keepers, and it isn’t long before Joseph is running the whole show just as he did in Potiphar’s house!

Now, if we were honest here and put ourselves in Joseph’s shoes, we likely would be complaining long and loud to God! “Hey God! I resisted the temptation to commit adultery, and this is my reward for seeking to please you?” This is Your reward? Being shoved in prison?” If this is Your favor, I’d hate to see Your disfavor!”

But Joseph has a tremendous lesson for all of us. God’s favor and mercy is for us in all our circumstances, even when we can’t see it! Look for it! 2Ch 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”

God’s eyes have landed squarely on Joseph after his display of loyalty in the matter of resisting sexual sin with Potiphar’s wife, and you can be sure His eyes are on you every time you exhibit a loyal heart to Him! His favor and strength will be forthcoming , wait for it as Joseph did. It may not be in a way that you expect it, but if you continue to trust, even in adverse circumstances, God will deliver! 

Remember, God will not allow you to be tempted (trialed) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (trial) will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it!