Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, became Potiphar’s steward, was thrown in jail; later he later became assistant jailer and then prime minister of Egypt. Joseph rose the ladder from pit to penthouse, from rags to riches.

Whether tragedy or blessing, he was confronted by temptation. God helps overcome the temptation that comes in the midst of both tragedy and triumph. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) First, God can help you overcome the temptations of tragedy. When we face issues, we face temptations. (a) Anger—Joseph could have become bitter. (b) Revenge—People do nasty stuff to get back at someone. (c) Doubt—Joseph could have asked, “Where is God? Doesn’t He care?” (d) Forsake God—“If He allows this to happen to me, I’ll worship Egyptian (the world’s) gods.” The answer to facing temptations in tragedy is twofold: Keep your life in the proper perspective: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3) And keep your mind focused on Jesus. Second, God can help you overcome the temptation of triumph. Joseph was also blessed with success and faced related temptations. (a) Arrogance—Look at me! I am the greatest. I got the promotion, not you. (b) Presumptuous Sin—deciding to sin knowing you can ask forgiveness later. (c) Self-sufficiency—“I have accomplished so much. I don’t need God!” (d) Unforgiveness—If anyone had reason to hold a grudge, Joseph did. Instead, Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive,” (Genesis 50:20)

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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