Delayed Dreams and Divine Deliverance: A Five-Day Look at the Journey of Joseph, Part 2

A note to the reader:

In this multi-day devotion series, we will look to Scripture to examine the life of Joseph. In this account God’s deliverance appeared delayed, yet in actuality it was His divine plan. I invite you to study the passage with me, take notes, ask questions, and then record your thoughts and personal application in a journal or the notes app on your phone. By the end of this series, I pray we will have a greater understanding of how delays and deliverance are a part of God’s sovereignty.

Put into Prison

As you read Genesis 39, make note of any recurring phrases that you see. Read this chapter again and consider circling repeating words and themes. Note the following verses:

Genesis 39:2-5—The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man…His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed...So Joseph found favor in his sight …and [he] put him in charge of all that he had…the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake…on all that he had, in house and field. (emphasis mine)

Genesis 39:21, 23—But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison…[who] paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever [Joseph] did, the Lord made it succeed. (emphasis mine)

Yet again, Joseph’s circumstances changed quite drastically. In chapter 37 we observed that Joseph was in a privileged position in his family then to a pit at the hand of his brothers. Then after the pit in chapter 39 we read that Joseph is now in a powerful position in Potiphar’s house. Just a few verses later in this same chapter, his position changes again, from overseer for Potiphar to a prisoner.

Here’s a question for us to consider: as you read today’s chapter, do you think that Joseph recognized the LORD with him?

Notice how the word “LORD” is capitalized in these verses. When this happens, it is referring to God’s specific covenantal, relational name: “Yahweh.” We don’t see God speak directly to Joseph in these verses, but we do clearly see God’s relation to and providential care for Joseph (as the ESV Crossway Study Bible points out). Joseph likely didn’t know the good that would result from his journey until later, nor perceive the far greater story that his life contributed to. Joseph likely was wondering why this was happening to him. Afterall, he was unjustly betrayed by his brothers and now falsely accused by his master’s wife. He rightly feared God (v9), so why was this happening to him? When we read the entire account of Joseph—as we will in the following devotions—we can see why these exact circumstances happened. We have the benefit of having the recorded Scriptures to learn of God’s wisdom and redemptive plan for Joseph and his family. We have this benefit for ourselves too, as Scripture reveals how this story leads to the primary story of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection.

While we can resonate with aspects of Joseph’s story, I think it may be better to observe how Joseph points to Jesus. Joseph was betrayed by those closest to him. Joseph was unjustly accused. God’s favor was on him, and as we will see later, Joseph’s suffering resulted in the good of those who betrayed him, and the salvation of many people.

You and I may not perceive what God is doing in the moment or why. Yet as the story of Joseph affirms and the victory of Jesus affords:

The LORD is with you, as He was with Joseph.

The LORD is showing you Hesed (steadfast love), as He did Joseph.

The LORD is working all things together for your good and His glory, as He did in the life of Joseph.

While our positions in life may change and we feel the ups and downs of life, may we recall that like all of mankind, we have sinned and are not blameless. Yet, we can look to Jesus and know that because of His faithfulness to endure the cross, our position with God in relationship to the LORD is certain and secure. He is with us.

Application: As we examined, God’s favor, steadfast love, and continual presence with Joseph is repeated a remarkable number of times in this short chapter. Recall the different places that Joseph was positionally as he experienced this favor. How does this encourage you? In what ways might God be with you now, even if you don’t perceive it? Read the following Scriptures that assure you of His presence, and journal your thoughts and a prayer in a journal or a note taking app. 

Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5-6, Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28.

Written by Lizzy Blanchard