KEY TEXT: Genesis 39:7-10 (KJV) – “7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.”
Usually, when people narrate this story, they convey it to imply that Potiphar’s wife requested Joseph to sleep with her once. However, as we can see in the above verses, she did not request him once. She pleaded with him several times. Joseph refused when she asked him to sleep with her for the first time. She did not give up (the devil never gives up). She kept speaking to Joseph daily, as stated in verse 10. She insisted continuously, but Joseph never agreed.
Most of us can resist temptation if it comes to us only once. However, we cannot resist temptation if it comes to us repeatedly. Professor Robert B. Cialdini, in his book Psychology of Persuasion, mentions consistency as one of the powerful principles of persuasion.
Potiphar’s wife was consistent and persistent. She might have tried various ways of getting Joseph attracted to her and getting him to sleep with her (the succeeding methods being more lucrative than the preceding methods). If she wore a particular garment one day to seduce Joseph, she would wear a better one the next day.
In Matthew chapter 4, the devil did not give up on the first temptation; he brought one trick after another, and the succeeding temptation always seemed more lucrative than the preceding one.
God operates the same way. When God brought plagues to the Egyptians during the time of Moses, the plague that would follow would be more lethal than the previous plague. The devil always copies what God does (because he knows God’s methods are robust and infinite, and he cannot devise his strategy since his very life depends on God). Despite her persistence in attempting to lead Joseph to sin, Joseph was consistent in obeying God and keeping His commandments.
When God allowed the devil to take away everything that Job had, including his wealth, his family, and lastly, his health, Job showed consistency in obeying God. He showed character when facing the most painful situations, despite his wife advising him to curse God and die. Joseph behaved the same way. Despite the persistence of Potiphar’s wife in attempting to lead Joseph to sin, Joseph was consistent in obeying God and keeping His commandments.
You may be jobless for ten years, and after those ten years of suffering, you finally get a job offer that needs you to work on Sabbath. You refuse that offer because you have chosen to obey God. While still jobless, you continue getting more job offers of the same sort. Will you still follow God’s commandments?
In one of his sermons, Pastor Mark Finley gave a compelling story of his dad. His dad was not Adventist, but he converted when he heard the Adventist message. Mark’s dad lost his job and started looking for a new job. He got rejected from all jobs because he told them he couldn’t work on Sabbath. After facing numerous rejections, he was accepted by a Jewish company because they were delighted that he kept the Sabbath just like them.
Mark’s dad worked for the Jewish company and thus, he made the company profit. It reached a time when he was able to start his own company doing the same business, and eventually, he was able to buy the Jewish company that he had previously worked. Matthew 20:16 (KJV) – “So the last shall be first, and the first last”.
Nothing is lost when you obey God. There are abundant blessings in obeying God. Situations may seem challenging at the moment, none favoring you, but always remember that you serve a faithful and just God.
You may follow God and face severe trials. Those trials are blessings in disguise. “But in the providence of God, even this experience was to be a blessing to him (Joseph)” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 219.2, Ellen G. White. James 1:2-4 (KJV) – “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
As a child of God, don’t bow down to affliction because there are more incredible blessings following your adversity. Deuteronomy 8:16 (KJV) – “Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that He might humble thee, and that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;” God caused the Israelites to suffer in the wilderness knowing that He was going to do good to them in the end.
Psalm 106:3 (KJV) – “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.”
Practice righteousness at all times.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness and for the strength You provide to stand firm in righteousness. Help us to follow Joseph’s example of obedience, resisting the temptations that come our way, no matter how persistent they may be. Grant us the courage and consistency to obey Your commands and trust in Your perfect plan for our lives. May we always remember that in the midst of trials, You are working all things together for our good. Strengthen our faith, and help us to live with integrity and perseverance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity
- Reflect on a time when you faced a temptation or a difficult situation that challenged your faith. Write down how you responded and what helped you stand firm.
- Think about an area of your life where you may be facing persistent temptation or pressure to compromise your beliefs. Write a short prayer asking for strength and consistency, just as Joseph demonstrated.
- Share your reflections and prayer with a friend, family member, or group to encourage one another in remaining faithful to God.
- Share this message with someone.
Author: Mark Alex
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