Joseph's story in Genesis 39 shows that being in the center of God's plan doesn't exempt anyone from suffering—Joseph's betrayal, slavery, and false accusation might have made him wonder if God had abandoned him; but in reality, God was with him at every step. The text even tells us that in the midst of his trials, Joseph was successful. That may seem odd to us, but success in God's eyes often looks different than our own definition. For God it's more about our character, faithfulness, and obedience to him than accolades or ease. Joseph excelled because God's presence enabled him to endure and succeed despite his circumstances, all while resisting temptation and staying obedient. In Joseph's story, we see that God's presence sustains us in all things, emboldens us to flee temptations, and redeems our trials.
Joseph's life was one full of setbacks that shaped his character—but that God used as set-ups for his plans of redemption in the future. In this series we're following his life from Genesis 37 through 50.
