Today’s Encouragement is, “But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” Genesis 39:21 (NLT)
But the Lord –
Joseph was a righteous man! He refused the advances of his master’s wife, although she tempted him day after day (v10). So, she falsely accused him, and Joseph went to prison.
This man of God, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers (without cause), was now in prison (without cause).
Friends, Joseph had ‘every right’ to be bitter, angry even! He was honoring God, refusing sin, yet still suffering!
‘But the Lord!’ As some say today, “But God!” God isn’t finished; the story isn’t over yet!
Joseph is rescued from prison miraculously and made the second most powerful ruler of Egypt,
But… Joseph, still innocent, had been in prison for two years (Gen 41:1)! During those long years, Joseph could easily have chosen bitterness, doubted that God cared or even existed, and decided it was useless to follow God’s ways. He suffered greatly for his faithfulness… but didn’t doubt or get angry at God! The word says nothing about his internal struggles; all we see is his faithfulness… even when that very faithfulness led to suffering.
“But the Lord”! God was with him during, before, and after prison… “But the Lord was with him!”
Father, we thank You that just as You were with Joseph in good and bad times, You are also with us! Help each of us, Father, to continue to choose to abide in You, in Your Love, and to choose to trust You regardless of our circumstances or the cost!
The Cause of Christ
Kari Jobe
Today’s Encouragement 