Favour Beyond Bars

The story of Joseph the Dreamer, is a popular one in the bible, as we follow his story from being his father’s favourite son to being sold into slavery. Joseph is then appointed to work in Potiphar’s house and we see Joseph operating in favour. So favoured was Joseph, that Potiphar put him in charge of everything in his house.

Even Potiphar’s wife had such great admiration for Joseph, that she was determined that she had to have him. Joseph’s refusal and determination to remain steadfastly committed to God landed him in prison. Potiphar’s wife was angry that Joseph continued to spurn her advances and made up a lie to get him in trouble.

Joseph ended up in jail, but not just any jail. He ends up in the jail where the King’s prisoners were kept. And what happened when Joseph is in jail? He found favour again with the guard who left all of the decision making to him. We know how the story ended, where Joseph was later called to interpret the King’s dream and he is once again promoted to the highest rank in Egypt, after the King. It turned out that the lie from Potiphar’s wife, set the scene for Joseph to end up in a prison, where he would meet the King’s servants. What a way for God to turn a negative situation into an amazing opportunity.

The point of this story is that favour, goodness and mercy follows us wherever we go. When we trust God, it does not matter where we end up, because God is with us. When he goes with us, favour will make our way prosperous and even a prison stay can result in a palace meeting. Be encouraged that God will never leave you and trust in his favour to preserve you. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8)!

A.P.-Y.