Do you remember the story of Joseph towards the tail end of the book of Genesis? It‘s an amazing story of how God can use the bad things in our lives to actually bless us and still accomplish His sovereign plan. A lot of terrible things happened to Joseph, but he knew all along that God was still in control. Towards the end of his incredible story, the Bible records these encouraging and observant words of Joseph: “as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). What a picture of faith in God!
One of the noteworthy moments in the life of Joseph occurred while he was imprisoned for a sin he did not commit. After being sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites by his own brothers, Joseph ended up in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his challenging circumstances, he was soon promoted to steward over the house of Potiphar. Eventually, though, Potiphar‘s wife began to seduce Joseph and make sexual advances towards him day after day. These temptations eventually came to climax with Potiphar‘s wife grabbing Joseph, but he ran away leaving his garment in her grasp. After Potiphar‘s wife feigned an attempted rape, Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison. Even still, God was will Joseph and blessed him with favor in the eyes of the prison guard. While incarcerated, Joseph met two other associates of Pharaoh and interpreted some unusual dreams for them. The cupbearer would be freed and resume his normal duties while the baker would be executed. Though Joseph gave all credit to Jehovah, he asked for one small favor—only remember me when you are freed and restored. But how does this story end? Genesis 40:23 says, “Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” It wasn‘t until two years later that Joseph was freed from prison!
What‘s the moral of the story? Men will sometimes let you down, forget you, and fail you. However, God never does! He will never forget the righteous! He will never fail to bless those who are doing His will! Even though Joseph was forgotten and failed by man, God remembered him continually and blessed him every step of the way. Maybe you feel forgotten. Maybe you feel overlooked. Maybe you feel like others have failed you. Friend, take comfort knowing that God hasn‘t! Just like God remembered faithful Joseph, He will remember and bless you too! As David said, ―I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread‖ (Psalm 37:25). God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and this can help us to say, “the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
