“She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.”
Genesis 39:10 (NLT)
In so many ways, we see the parallel between Joseph and Jesus. As soon as Joseph became a slave in Potiphar’s house, he found favor with his master because the LORD was with him, and He made everything prosper in Joseph’s hand. Therefore, Potiphar made Joseph manager of his entire household. Likewise, in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He found favor with God, for when He was baptized, a voice came from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
However, no sooner was Joseph promoted than he was tempted. While performing his household duties, Potiphar’s wife cast longing eyes for him and said, “Lie with me!” Joseph was about 18 years old, hundreds of miles from home, and was alone with a seductive woman who sought him. This would have been a strong temptation for any young man! But Joseph said, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” When she became more forceful and took hold of Joseph’s coat, he ran away, leaving his coat in her hands. Likewise, after Jesus was baptized, He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, but He did not succumb.
If God begins to bless your life, don’t be surprised if you are tempted. We must not think that we are above falling into sin.
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (NLT)
Where are you tempted? Where are you likely to let your guard down? Take the advice that Paul gave to Timothy:
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV)
Don’t play around with temptation. Rather, determine to keep as far away from it as possible. Then ask the Lord for his help in resisting it.
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