In Genesis 39:1-23 we find a well-known story involving Potiphar’s wife and Joseph.
In verse 7 we see a challenge from Potiphar’s wife to Joseph, “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph: and she said, lie with me.
Here is an example to follow Genesis 39:8, “But he refused”.
Please note that Joseph had to endure this temptation every day. V.10, “And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her”.
There was mounting pressure being placed on him by someone in authority. Regardless of how high an authority the pressure is coming from, we have a higher authority to answer to.
Note the reason why Joseph was able to resist this temptation, verse 9b, “how then can I do this wickedness, and sin against God?”
Temptation is a part of the journey, but we must learn to overcome it. In verse 2 it says, “and the Lord was with Joseph”, verse 3 says, “his master saw that the Lord was with him”. In verse 21, it says, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor”
The presence of God with us does not mean that we won’t face any challenges. However, we can trust God to take us through.
In your day or hour of temptation, may you remember the Lord your God as Joseph did.
Every person born of woman, faces temptation. Even Jesus. Matt 4-1: Then was Jesus led up of The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus overcame him with the Word. 1 Cor 10-13: There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man. But God is Faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a Way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. Jesus gives some examles: Pray, quote the Word, flee to God, The Holy Spirit will enable us to resist. There are terrible consequences for yielding. 1Cor 15-57: Thanks be to God, which gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.