We rejoin the story of Joseph when we find him in Egypt, serving in the household to which he was sold. There's something about adversity that matures a person. In yesterday's reading Joseph was quite certain he would be the ruler of his family. We have to wonder if he still thought that in today's reading. Some time in slavery could make us doubt our destiny. Yet as Joseph served his Lord and his owner faithfully he saw God's blessing fall on the household. Things looked pretty good again until the incident with his owner's wife. Joseph goes to prison, falsely accused of misconduct. It looks bad. Yet even in prison, Joseph is elevated again.
What are we to make of this? It would be nice to say that if we are faithful to the Lord everything will be fine and we will be elevated in rank. Then again, we could say that if we are faithful to the Lord we will likely be sold into slavery and imprisoned on false pretenses. What we can say for a fact is that the Lord knows his people and will accomplish his good pleasure through them. He has taken Joseph to Egypt and put him into situations that develop Joseph's character and abilities. He has put Joseph into position to be elevated and guard the food supply of the country. He has taken Joseph and started preparing him to serve faithfully no matter the circumstances.
May the Lord use us as well. May he also bless us to see some of the good he is accomplishing in and through us.
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