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. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD?
And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. (Gen 39:1-3, 7-9, 19-22)
Not only was GOD teaching Joseph about humility in where he put Joseph, but also promoting him in the eyes of those he is serving so that they may appreciate him and the favor of the Lord. Though the short term seems to be for ill, GOD is bringing about a process, even in slavery and false imprisonment, to put Joseph right where he needs to be to accomplish the will of GOD for Egypt and for Israel.
GOD always has a plan and a way to accomplish His Will. Though some events during (especially from our point of view) the process may be 'evil' or cause suffering, He works all things for His good, and His glory. He draws people to Himself that they may be saved. He draws His children closer, and disciples them in His Word. He chastises and teaches that all may learn and glorify Him. He sends and equips His servants that they may minister to those around them.
We are to be obedient to His call, His commands, and His commission, to minister to the hurting as He provides, disciple one another in love and His Word, and to proclaim the Good News of Salvation through faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary that those that hear may believe and believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Just as Joseph trusted GOD even in slavery and prison, You must turn away from your sIn and unrighteousness and trust what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. Just as He provided for Joseph during his trials, He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, and is our Life. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet