I was thinking about Joseph when he told his brothers, “You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.” Then my mind fell on Potiphar’s wife and the lie she told about Joseph. No, it wasn’t an oversight, or a moment where she “misspoke” – that woman meant to lie about Joseph’s behavior. She knew he ran from her, but it was because he didn’t accept her advances that she chose to punish him by telling that massive lie.
And, boy, did it work! Joseph was hauled off to jail! He lost his job and his freedom. Obviously, he didn’t want to be there and understood that he shouldn’t have been there, given he’d done nothing wrong. Nothing about what Joseph was going through signaled that it was “a mighty move of God.”
Yet, God was moving. No, Joseph didn’t see it then. But God was moving. During his season in prison, God blessed him with favor, positioning him to serve as a manager of the other prisoners and to interpret the dreams of the baker and butler. Both giftings would be utilized again later in his transformative life story. But at the time, he didn’t understand the placement and position he found himself in. The harsh scenario eventually propelled him into a position for something that wasn’t on anyone’s radar.
We know how the story ends as it has already been written. We can easily flip to the end to see how beautifully the Lord worked it out for him. But as he was living through it, he, like us in our lives, didn’t exactly know how things would turn out for him.
The lie that transported Joseph to prison was another stepping stone God used to eventually bless Joseph. What a day Joseph had – one moment, he’s a prisoner, and within a few hours, he’s the second in command. We rejoice there because we see the lie didn’t hold Joseph back.
But what blessed me today is what isn’t said directly. When God revealed the true purpose behind his brother’s actions, Joseph could also understand that the same hand of God moved in the lie that Potiphar’s wife spread. Joseph understood that she was in the same camp as his brothers! He didn’t hate. He didn’t have to seek revenge, nor did he have to flaunt how her lie didn’t work after all.
So, for everyone who has had to deal with a “Potiphar’s wife,” take heart, God won’t allow it to have the impact the enemy planned. It may look as though the lie is the headliner, but it is simply the vehicle God permitted to drive you to His plan and purpose for you.
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:18-20 KJV)
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.2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lordblessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.8 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;9 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?10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.19 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.20 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. (Genesis 39:1-20 KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)