The Careful testing of a Patient God
Genesis 39:20-23
Introduction: When we think of Joseph we first think of his coat of many colors and how that coat created the jealously that sold him into slavery. But there was another coat in Joseph’s life and it too caused him lots of trouble. This coat was left in the hands of Potiphar’s wife as Joseph fled from her immoral advances. Her evil desires coupled with Joseph’s rejection caused her to cry rape as we would hear it today. The accusation of one woman coupled with the authority of her husband denied Joseph any opportunity at a hearing. It is an understatement to say Joseph was slandered. He was only a slave and he had no rights an accusation was all it took. As sad as this story is God had the situation under control. You see Joseph’s life was guided by integrity that neither Potiphar nor Pharaoh knew anything about, the integrity that comes from being a child of God. Look with me this morning as we explore “the careful testing of a patient God.”
While in prison I’m sure Satan would whisper something like “now where is your God”?
What were the neighbors saying? People haven’t changed much over time; today Christians are willing to throw each other under the bus at the drop of a hat, that’s sad. Now if a crime has been committed then consequences must be paid, but not until all doubt has been removed and an honest conviction has been made. Joseph didn’t have any of this, his faith had to defeat the criticism of his neighbors.
As Joseph won the confidence of other prisoners and heard their stories Joseph cared for them with a love that only God could provide. There was…
Imprisoned for a trivial offense, he was bothered by a dream. Joseph interpreted this dream. He reminded the butler that dreams belonged to God and their interpretation as well. Joseph encouraged the baker telling him he would soon be restored to Pharaoh’s service. Joseph only asks the butler to remember his story and give it to Pharaoh on his behalf.
Being encouraged by Joseph’s news to the butler, the baker had a dream as well. However the baker’s dream had a bad ending, it meant his death.
God doesn’t always give us a sweet subtle ending to our problems, Gods will is Gods will. You and I must accept it, when we agree with it and when we don’t.
Three days passed and an officer of the Pharaoh came with two decrees, one decree freeing the butler and the other a death sentence for the baker.
God tells us “hope deferred maketh the heart sick” the butler had forgotten Joseph. Have you ever placed your hopes in someone only to have them let you down? Whether it was intentional or not, remember the sick feeling you got in the pit of your stomach.
Josephs hope was deferred because he placed it in a man, the butler.
In Psa 42:1-5 (we read) As the hart panteth after the
water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (2) My soul thirsteth for God, for the living
God: when shall I come and appear before God?
(3)
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say
unto me, Where is thy God? (4) When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone
with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy
and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
(5)
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why
art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
For the child of God our hope comes only
from the Lord Jesus Christ, He can work through man but man can never replace
the hope we have in Him.
Conclusion: God records for you and I the real life issues that people have faced through out time. We have record of these for our encouragement during difficult times, whether it is in our life or the life of those close to us. Joseph shows us that no matter how difficult things become if we are truthful, honest and living a life of integrity God is in control and His will be done. Our challenge is to accept it and endure “the careful testing of a patient God.” Close as God leads.