Have you ever done everything right, only to see it all turn out wrong? Does that mean you’re a bad person? Does it mean God has rejected you?

Joseph may have had similar questions during the events recorded in Genesis 39. His problems began when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. Then, no matter what right move he made, trouble kept stalking him. For instance, despite his integrity, Joseph was falsely accused of committing a serious crime against the wife of Potiphar, his master.

Potiphar responded by throwing Joseph into prison. There he was—a good, honest, God-trusting man—languishing in an Egyptian jail. Why didn’t God get him out? Why wasn’t the truth investigated? How unfair it must have seemed!

For quite some time, nothing happened. But here’s what’s important: “The Lord was with Joseph” (39:21). God was working out His plan, and for a while it called for Joseph to be in an Egyptian prison. What seemed to be bad was actually good, because it was part of God’s perfect plan.

Are things not going your way? Make sure you’re doing what is right. Obey the Lord and stay close to Him. Then, stand back and watch Him work His perfect plan!