Rejoicing in the Fire

Because the Lord was with him;

and whatever he did,

the Lord made to prosper.

Genesis 39:23

Joseph, sold as a slave to the Ishmaelites and then to Potiphar in Egypt, now finds himself in the king’s prison. It appeared that everywhere Joseph went, the world was against him, but God was with him. If God is with us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Every attempt by the world and the evil one to knock him down or remove him only placed him right where God needed him to be. Joseph’s situations did not catch God by surprise. As persecution and lies rose against him, God was right there with him. Everywhere he went, whether as slave or prisoner, God caused all he did to prosper.

I believe the enemy notices when God causes the works of our hands to prosper, and he wants to stop it. He knows by our prospering that God is up to something. However, I believe he has no knowledge as to what that something is. If the enemy had a clue, he would never have pushed so strongly to get Christ on that cross, and he would never have tempted Potiphar’s wife to bring this accusation against Joseph.

In 1 Peter 4:12–13 we read,

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you,

which comes upon you for your testing,

as though some strange thing were happening to you;

but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ,

keep on rejoicing,

so that also at the revelation of His glory

you may rejoice with exultation.

My precious one, can you look at the fiery ordeal that you are now in and rejoice?

Do you see it as an opportunity for you to share in the sufferings of your Christ?

Do you understand that there is more to this ordeal than you can presently see?

Joseph’s situation, from the outside, seemed horrible, but it was only placing him in the position to be the savior and redeemer of his loved ones. Even the savior of his brothers, who had sold him into slavery in the first place.

Oh, what a picture of our beautiful one, our Savior, our Redeemer, our glorious Jesus Christ!

Oh Father,

That I would be one who trusts in You even through persecution and lies brought against me. Oh Father, that I would stand firm, as Joseph stood firm, and know that as long as You are with me, I will at all times and in every situation rejoice. You tell us to be strong and courageous, for You are with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). Momentary light affliction in this world produces in us the fruit of righteousness and perfects us and brings us to spiritual maturity. Oh Father, mold me into a mighty servant soldier of Your kingdom. Oh, that I would trust in You at all times. My Jesus, thank You for Your eternal presence.

It’s in Your name I pray,

Amen.