When Compromise Comes Calling, Prophetic Destinies, Pt. 18

Jacob believed Joseph was dead, but he wasn't. He was enslaved to a man named Potiphar in Egypt (Genesis 39). Yet, even in Egypt, God was with Joseph, teaching him life lessons, beginning with humility. How is that for the boy who dreamed everyone was bowing to him? To get Joseph in the palace, God needed first to address his pride; otherwise, his stay in the court could be cut short and cause problems later. Isn't that just like God? He gives us dreams bigger than ourselves and then proceeds to deal with the root issues in our lives in a manner that will bring us to our knees yet prepare us for the palace! Joseph is no longer the favored son; he is the favored servant.

Yet even as God teaches Joseph humility in his position, God is pouring out favor upon him. So much that Potiphar puts Joseph in charge of his whole household. All Potiphar owned was under Joseph's authority. Even as Joseph's character expanded, God taught him how to lead in his master's house. Because of Joseph's presence, God blesses Potiphar's house (Gen. 39:1-6). However, when God starts to bless you where you're at, beware because lurking nearby is someone/something ready to seduce you away from God's plan for your life. For Joseph, that person was Potiphar's wife.

We don't know anything about her, but she was left on her own too often by her husband. This woman saw Joseph. We're told he was "well-built and handsome" (vs. 6), and this bored housewife wanted him in every sense of the word. This is what the enemy wants – all of you! He doesn't care if you're a mere servant honoring the Lord with your work. If you are in any way bringing glory to the King, the enemy's desire is to seduce you away from God's purposes to his own.

Joseph, on the other hand, wasn't having any of it. When the seductress spoke, he ignored and declined. When he fled, she kept hold of his garment. That's the key. Joseph, when faced with compromise, fled, leaving his cloak, and so should we. Your integrity is worth more than anything that gets left behind. God wants us to be people that reflect His character and nature, and if that requires our leaving a great position behind, so be it. God's plans for you are so much greater!

Unfortunately, Joseph's act of integrity isn't honored by his master. Notice that Potiphar's wife set aside Joseph's garment until Joseph's master came home. Whenever you act with uprightness in the world, realize that whatever you leave behind may be used to condemn you. You need to be aware of this and realize this is ok. When Joseph's master was told the lie, the enemy used Joseph's garments to reinforce it. Now a lot could be said about how we judge people, particularly ones we don't know. Just remember, you don't want to be judged on what you left behind, so don't rush to judge others based on what they've forsaken. You may find it is just a smokescreen for the enemy's work. In Joseph's case, forsaking his garment landed him in prison.

We've all been there – accused of something we didn't do, and nothing we say will convince people otherwise. In Joseph's case of he said, she said, she was the wife, he the slave. Of course, she won the round. The promise of God to us is that all things will "work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). Joseph loved God and was called by God. So are you, and when your back is up against a wall, God will make a way.

We find that even in prison, God "extended kindness" to Joseph, giving him favor with the prison overseer (vs. 21). Once more, though imprisoned, Joseph is entrusted with authority to the point the warden didn't even bother with anything he placed under Joseph's care because God was with him. What a testimony!

You see, it doesn't matter if you hate where you're at right now. I'm sure Joseph didn't love the prison. What matters is your attitude before the Lord and others. Are you teachable? Will God be able to pour out favor on you, or will you bring dishonor to Him? The choice is yours. You may find yourself an innocent victim, but how you react to the situation you're thrown into will determine how successful you are while you're waiting to get out of it. Joseph was successful. What about you?

Let's Pray:

Heavenly Father, I have to be honest. I don't like the position I find myself in. I have tried to honor you and act with integrity, and it has been thrown back in my face. Help me to preserve my integrity and maintain an attitude that reflects Your character and nature. Help me to be a blessing to those that imprison me that they may know that You are with me. Help me to trust You to get me out of this situation in Your time and in a manner that brings You glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.