Staying Pure
by Jill Southern
Joseph eventually reached Egypt courtesy of some slave traders, where he was sold into the service of Potiphar’s house. God had more important tests in store for Joseph!
Purity is very important to God.
Sometimes impurity doesn’t begin in the heart, but begins in the eye. Mrs Potiphar made a pass at Joseph, but Jacob had brought up his sons to follow God and to stay pure. What’s more, Joseph also knew he was completely trusted by Potiphar himself, so he refused to go to bed with her or even to be with her.
The scripture teaches us to ‘flee fornication’ and this is exactly what Joseph did. However he thwarted Potiphar’s wife by doing so, for she was looking for more. So she falsely accused him of actually doing what in her heart she had really wanted him to do! He ended up being put into prison for something he hadn’t done. Could Joseph hang on to the dream God had given him now?
This was clearly an attack from the enemy to rob Joseph of his ultimate destiny. But what the enemy planned for harm, God eventually used for good. This is such an important principle for life that we can learn from the story of Joseph.
Even when it looks totally hopeless, we need to hang on to the dreams and visions God has given us. God was preparing Joseph for his destiny. Romans 5: 3-5 says that ‘we should rejoice in our suffering because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ And hope produces the appointments of God. Can we pass the tests God will use to prepare us for our calling and destiny? Can we persevere?
Action Line: Your purity is very important to God. Are you deeply committed to staying on Holy ground today?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for choosing me to belong to You. I know that You have a calling and destiny on my life. When I go through the tests please help me to remember that You still love me and You really do want what’s best for me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Jill Southern is the founder of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and directed the work for 21 years. She has recently stood down from that role but still teaches on the NETS programme and has the passion to train and equip God`s people to fully walk in their destiny and calling. She is the Regional Director for Ellel Ministries International in South East Asia and China and is also on the Executive Leadership of the ministry.
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