And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused….
–Genesis 39:7-8
Joseph was a man with extraordinary moral strength and character. Over and over again in Genesis we read how God framed and forged Joseph’s character through victories over personal struggles and sufferings.
One particular victory was the battle for sexual purity. You’ll remember that Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph and she made countless verbal and physical advances toward him.
Even when she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to rape her, and he was sent to prison, Joseph had the strength of character not to grow bitter or resentful.
As a result, the purposes of God for Joseph’s life were fulfilled, and Joseph became one of the most powerful men on earth, saving a nation of people, and his own family.
What we learn from the life of Joseph is that there are no shortcuts to character. The trials, struggles, choices we make, and actions we take produce the very character we need to fulfill our God-given destiny.
Like Joseph, God has a plan for your life, too. Don’t despise the struggles, but allow God to forge your character and morals so that you can be the person he needs you to be.
THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO CHARACTER.
