Refined by the Grind

Read Genesis 37:1–41:57

19. Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her.
20. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained.
21. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
22. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison.
23. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed. Genesis 39:19-23

What are some of your most menial chores? No matter which ones you select (or how long the list), you doubtless have responsibilities that you would not miss if you never did them again.

Joseph, son of Jacob, dreams of being ruler of all, but is sold into slavery and is put in prison. Then he interprets the pharaoh’s dreams and rises to power in Egypt. We see (as Joseph learns) that God rules over every circumstance, even the menial ones.

Sibling rivalry, lust, shame, despair, shattered hopes, and sudden success all play a part in this piece of Joseph’s drama. As you read, look for lessons in each of these themes.

As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless (Genesis 39:20). Prisons were grim places with vile conditions. They were used to house convicted criminals, forced laborers, or, like Joseph, the accused who were awaiting trial. Prisoners were guilty until proven innocent and had no right to a speedy trial. In addition, Joseph’s accuser was a very prominent member of society who would certainly be believed sooner than Joseph, a slave, would be. Joseph had every reason to despair.

Instead, Joseph did his best with each small task given him. His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed by the warden, who promoted him to prison administrator (39:21-22). And even during these dark prison days, Joseph faithfully served his Lord. Eventually, Joseph rose to the top—from prison cell to Pharaoh’s palace (41:39-40).

What predicament at work, at home, or at school seems at best, daunting, and at worst, hopeless? Follow Joseph’s example by taking each small task and doing your best. Whatever your situation, no matter how undesirable, consider it part of your training for serving the Lord. Remember how God turned Joseph’s situation around. Be assured that God sees your efforts, and remember that he can reverse desperate predicaments and overcome overwhelming odds.