Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing the right thing? After being sold into slavery and then purchased by a wealthy Egyptian, Joseph had flourished. He also caught the eye of his master’s wife (v. 7). Unlike his brother Judah who did not restrain himself when tempted (Gen. 38:15– 16), Joseph was a model of integrity.

In response to the proposition from Potiphar’s wife, Joseph gave a speech (vv. 8–9). He told her that he could not betray his master. More importantly, he told her that he wanted to do what was right before God: “How then can I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (v. 9). With all that has happened, we might have wondered if Joseph still maintained faith in God. His response assures us that he has. Perhaps he was still waiting for God to fulfill his dreams of the sheaves and the stars (Genesis 37).

In response, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and had him sent to prison (vv. 14–20). Joseph had acted with wisdom and faith, but his “reward” was jail time. Again and again in Scripture we notice that the righteous suffer. After being anointed king, David had to run for his life from Saul. The prophet Elijah was persecuted by King Ahab and Jezebel. And in the New Testament, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for preaching the gospel. God did not keep them from suffering, but He was with them through it (vv. 21–23).

In a world groaning under the weight of sin, walking with God means trusting that He is with us in disappointment, pain, and loss. The apostle Peter reminds us, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

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