Genesis 39-40  Joseph.. this young man.. sold by his brothers, ended up in Potiphar's house. "And the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man."  It was evident to Potiphar and to everyone else that Joseph was different.  The Lord's presence with Joseph was so evident that he was trusted with everything that Potiphar owned.. inside or outside of the household.   

Even after Potiphar's wife tried to entice Joseph and finally lied about him so that he ended up in prison.. Joseph continued to be a man of honesty and integrity.  ".. the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailor.... and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper."

Joseph persevered in the prison where he served the chief jailor.  When Pharoah's cupbearer and baker were imprisoned, Joseph was their overseer.  He was in the place that God wanted him.. for He had a purpose for Joseph that would come about through these circumstances.   Joseph was given the gift of interpreting dreams.. a gift that God gave him for this time and season of his life.  Joseph interpreted the dreams of both the cupbearer and the baker.  And.. both interpretations were correct.  The cupbearer was restored to his position and the baker was hung. 

Of all those we have read about in this history lesson.. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.. Judah and the other brothers.. Joseph  by far suffered more at the hands of others and yet was more faithful and righteous than any of them.   God blessed Joseph through all of this.. and Joseph knew the presence and grace of God. 

Father in heaven, we thank You for this example of a young man who could have had anything, but chose to be faithful to You. Thank You for the truth that we learn.. that those who call upon You and are careful to live for You.. even through struggles, will find favor by Your grace.  We need Your Presence in our lives too , Lord Jesus.  May we be so filled by Your Spirit that others will observe that You are with us. May we be diligent to walk in Your ways.. through whatever circumstances we find ourselves in today.  We ask for the power of Your Spirit to be at work in us.. to the glory of Your Name. Amen.