Joseph Stands Strong

The following devotion is excerpted from our brand new devotional, Faith Forward Family Devotional. Gather your family together to learn from Genesis that when we choose to do what is right, God rewards us.
~ Pat and Ruth

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How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
GENESIS 39:9

Has someone ever accused you of doing something you didn’t do? How did it make you feel? Joseph had already been rejected by his brothers. Dumped in a pit. Then sold to traders heading to Egypt. What else could go wrong? As it turns out, a lot!

Potiphar, a very important Egyptian in charge of Pharaoh’s army, bought Joseph from the traders. He took him to his big, expensive palace. He put him in charge of everything! God blessed Joseph. And God blessed everything Potiphar had.

But then one day while Potiphar was at work, Potiphar’s wife kept asking Joseph to come with her. Joseph refused. He knew it wasn’t right to go anywhere with Potiphar’s wife. Day after day, she called to him. He kept saying, “No!” And he stood strong.

This made Potiphar’s wife mad, so mad that she eventually made up a story about Joseph. She tried to make him look like a bad guy. It worked too. Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison with the rest of the king’s prisoners. Things were going from bad to worse! One thing didn’t change though—Joseph refused to sin against God. No matter what. Joseph was more concerned about pleasing God—no matter who was watching. Joseph’s love for God helped him live for God!

Joining God’s work in the world can be hard. We have to stand out. Stand up. Stay strong. And never give in! God is still looking for people who love Him and will live for Him. With God’s help, how will you stand strong?

KEY IDEA: God rewards. When we choose to do what is right, God rewards us. That doesn’t mean it is always easy or comfortable. But God always takes care of those who obey Him.

Here are a few questions to think about and discuss with your family:

When have you ever been tempted to do something you knew wasn’t right?
How did Joseph’s love for God help him live for God?
Why is it always better to please God instead of pleasing people?

Let’s pray:

Lord, we praise You for always being with us. You are faithful and good. Give us power to stand strong for You. Help us say no to sin and yes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Faith Forward Family Devotional is written for families with children of all ages to help equip and inspire you to raise another generation to love and serve Jesus.

In just a few minutes a day, at your own pace, you can take your family through the entire Bible in one hundred devotions. Grow closer to your kids as they grow closer to God.

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