The Faithfulness of Joseph — Overcoming the Tests of Life in Today’s World
Text: Genesis 39:1–23
Theme Verse: “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” — Genesis 39:2
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1, KJV) But Jacob’s family didn’t enjoy the blessings of unity because from its inception the home was divided. Jacob’s first two wives were rivals, and the addition of two concubines didn’t diminish the tension.
When you have in a home one father, four different mothers, and twelve sons, you have the ingredients for multiple problems. Unfortunately, Jacob came from a divided home and brought the infection with him. Why did the brothers hate Joseph so much?
Joseph coat reached to the ankles and had long sleeves. It was the rich garment of a ruler and not what the well dressed shepherd needed out in the fields. Reuben his firstborn forfeited his firstborn status because sexual relations with his father concubine Bilhah. Genesis 35:22
Joseph is one of the most remarkable examples of faithfulness in all of Scripture.
He was the 11th son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, the wife whom Jacob truly loved. Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37 and extends through Genesis 50, showing a man who faced rejection, slavery, temptation, false accusation, imprisonment, and success — yet never turned away from God.
His life demonstrates that faithfulness is not based on favorable circumstances, but on firm conviction. Joseph’s faithfulness was tested at every level — family, moral, professional, emotional, and spiritual — yet he overcame every trial through steadfast trust in God.
Illustration:
A blacksmith once said, “I keep the iron in the fire until it’s hot enough to shape.” God did the same with Joseph. Every fiery trial shaped him into a vessel of destiny.
1. Faithful Despite Rejection
Scripture: Genesis 37:4–5 —
“And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”
Explanation:
Joseph’s brothers despised him for his dreams and his favor with their father. Yet he didn’t allow rejection to destroy his vision.
Application for Today:
Many today feel rejected — by family, friends, or employers. But rejection often serves as God’s redirection toward your purpose. When people can’t see your value, God is setting you apart for something greater.
Faith Response:
Rejection doesn’t mean you’re worthless — it means you’re chosen for something others can’t handle.
2. Faithful in the Pit
Scripture: Genesis 37:23–24 —
“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; and they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.”
Explanation:
Joseph’s brothers threw him into a dry pit. He lost his coat, but he didn’t lose his character.
Application for Today:
Our “pits” today may be depression, setbacks, job loss, or discouragement. God uses these low places to build spi
