Genesis 39 is a remarkable chapter. At first glance, it’s a story of injustice—Joseph, betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely accused, lands in prison. But woven throughout the chapter is one simple, powerful phrase:

“The Lord was with Joseph.”

That changes everything.

From Privilege to Pit

Joseph was once the favored son of Jacob, clothed in a richly colored robe and entrusted with authority beyond his years. His dreams hinted at his destiny: one day, his family would bow before him.

But envy turned dreams into a nightmare. Joseph’s own brothers betrayed him, selling him into the hands of Ishmaelites who carried him to Egypt. And so the boy with dreams became a slave in a foreign land.

But—the Lord was with him.

Faithfulness in the Shadows

Joseph ends up in the house of Potiphar, a captain of Pharaoh’s guard. And there, even in slavery, he rises. Why?

Because God’s presence was not limited to the promised land. The Lord who walked with Abraham now walks with Joseph in Egypt. And everything Joseph does prospers because the Lord was with him.

But no sooner is Joseph exalted than he's once again cast down. Potiphar’s wife, driven by lust and rejected by Joseph’s integrity, falsely accuses him. Joseph refuses to sin, and his reward? Prison.

Yet again—the Lord was with him.

The Pattern of the Cross

Joseph’s story follows a rhythm that echoes throughout Scripture: exaltation, humiliation, exaltation. This isn’t just Joseph’s story—it’s Jesus’ story.

Jesus is exalted as the Beloved Son.

He humbles Himself, taking the form of a servant.

He is betrayed, falsely accused, and crucified.

Then, He is raised and exalted to the highest place.

Joseph foreshadows Christ. And for us, it’s a reminder: suffering does not mean abandonment.

Christ Is With Us Too

Joseph's story declares a truth that every believer needs to cling to:

God is not just with us on the mountain—He’s with us in the valley.

Jesus promised, “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” That means He is with us in:

Afflictions – When we’re betrayed, broken, or falsely accused.

Trials – When we lose what we worked hard for.

Triumphs – When we’re unexpectedly lifted up.

Joseph's success wasn't about luck, skill, or status—it was about God's faithful presence. That same faithful presence dwells with us today through the Holy Spirit.

Takeaway

Wherever you find yourself today—in the house of blessing or the prison of hardship—know this: Christ is with you.

And if Christ is with you, you are never forgotten, never abandoned, never alone. Like Joseph, you may be walking a path you didn’t choose. But if you are in Christ, it’s a path that leads to purpose.

Hold fast. Walk with integrity. The Lord is with you.

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