Genesis 39—40: Performance Under Pressure
HOW DO YOU react when you are treated unjustly? How do you feel when you do everything you can to serve God well, only to have the bottom drop out of your life? Joseph faced these difficulties after he became a slave in Egypt. His example of perseverance under pressure and the way he coped with a shattering reversal can be instructive to us in similar situations.
Warming Up to God
Like Joseph, we sometimes face hardships we don't understand. Tell God about your worries, and ask him to remind you of his faithfulness to you, his child.
Read Genesis 39—40. »
Discovering the Word
- Trace the development of Joseph's ability and responsibility from the time he enters Potiphar's house (39:1-6).
- Describe the temptation and increasing pressure Joseph now experiences (39:6-12).
- Notice the symmetry between verses 1-6 and 20-23 in chapter 39.
- From the latter description of Joseph's activities, what can we surmise about his attitude toward his new, more humiliating situation?
- Describe the new situation in which Joseph finds himself (40:1-8).
- In 40:9-19 what similarities and differences do you find in the cupbearer's and baker's dreams and Joseph's interpretations?
- What are the consequences for the three men (40:20-23)?
Applying the Word
- In what situation have you been treated unjustly for taking a moral stand or refusing to do something wrong?
- What impresses you about Joseph's performance under these incredible pressures, reverses and disappointments?
Responding in Prayer
Ask your heavenly Father, your shield and protector, to give you moral courage and stamina during those difficult days.
For Further Study
Joseph (LifeGuide Bible Study) by Paul Borthwick