The test of faith and the latter blessings

And after a while, his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me! (Genesis 39:7 NIV)

As Christians, we sometimes find ourselves in difficult situations that make us wonder where God is. Through these difficult times, no matter how strong you are in Christ, your faith can become shaky. Also, we tend to lose confidence and even wonder whether our situation is a consequence of our sins. One thing we should note is that not all hardships and difficult circumstances are the consequences of our sins or disobedience to God. Sometimes when God wants to elevate you, you would have to pass the test of faith. Even in education, before you move from one level to the next, you will need to pass a test.

We have all learnt about the story of Joseph. He was sold by his brothers due to his dreams of greatness which God revealed to him. One thing that we lose sight of when studying the life of Joseph is the fact that he became successful initially when he was sold into slavery even before he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:2). The Bible tells us that he worked in Potiphar’s house, and his master made him an overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had (Genesis 39:4). Logically, every slave who found himself in such a position would have been satisfied. However, that was not the end for Joseph because God wanted to elevate him to a greater height. To achieve this, he had to pass the test of faith. Just look at what would have come his way if he had given in to the advances of Potiphar’s wife. He would have gotten whatever he wanted and become more powerful. But the temptation of Potiphar’s wife was the test that he had to pass to access the latter blessings and ultimately fulfil his destiny.

Joseph was put in prison for not giving in to the request of Potiphar’s wife. Ironically, he was punished for doing what was right. Imagine how you would have felt if you were in his shoes. He was obedient to God, and his obedience led him to prison. I can picture a disappointed Joseph who would be thinking about so many things at that time. But that was his test. Faith in God leads to obedience to God. Joseph passed the test, and his latter blessings were greater and better than his former success.

As Christians, your faith will be tested on numerous occasions. But I want to encourage you to never give up. Are you facing financial struggles, emotional crisis, family problems, health issues, temptations to sin? Remember the test of faith and what follows if you pass the test. The latter blessing, which is greater, will surely manifest to the glory of God. Let us hold on to our faith in God.

Prayer: Let us thank God for His word today. Let us pray for the strength and grace to pass the test of faith and receive the latter blessings. Also, let us pray for the grace to be obedient to the commands and principles of God, even in the most difficult situations.

God bless you all.