Daily Devotional Details

Date

Joseph found favor in his [Potiphar’s] sight. Genesis 39:4

Joseph served in Potiphar’s house for 11 years. We know this because Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold as a slave (37:2), and he was 30 when he was appointed prime minister by Pharaoh (41:46). And, as we will see next time, he spent two years in prison (41:1).

So let’s do the math. First, 30 (years old) minus 17 (years old) is 13 years in Egypt. Then, 13 (years in Egypt) minus 2 (years in prison) is 11. That’s 11 years serving in Potiphar’s house.

Many people would like to find “overnight” success, but this story shows us a better way. Sudden success is fraught with all kinds of spiritual dangers. It is fertile ground for pride, presumption, and ambition. Martyn Lloyd-Jones used to say, “The worst thing that can happen to you is that you succeed before you’re ready.” God knows when you are ready for more.

Notice Joseph had the favor of God before he had the favor of Potiphar. The favor of God is a gift of grace that flows to you in Jesus Christ. “The Lord was with Joseph” (39:2). This favor was given, not earned. But Joseph won the favor of Potiphar by his loyalty. He earned it by the quality of his work. You earn trust by proving faithful over time.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much” (Matt. 25:21). The growing trust that Joseph earned was the reason why he kept being promoted. Here is the principle: When you are faithful in little, you will be trusted with much.

What is one “little” thing that you could be more faithful with?