Stay the Course

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Readings: Genesis 39 | Psalm 18:1-25

Joseph is now in Egypt, a stranger in a strange land, and things are looking up, until they aren’t. Genesis 39 shows us a man who chooses integrity over ease. When Mrs. Potiphar tries to seduce him, Joseph doesn’t just say no to her; he runs away from sinning against God. He understands that his primary loyalty isn’t to his master or his career, but to the King of Kings. And his reward for doing the right thing? Prison.

The modern world tells you that doing the right thing will lead to success. The Bible tells you that doing the right thing might get you locked up. This is the edgy reality of the Kingdom. Joseph’s character is tested in the fire of temptation and the injustice of false accusation. He remains faithful because he knows that the Lord was with him. This is the ultimate comfort: success isn’t defined by your title or station, but by the presence of the Lord in your circumstances.

Psalm 18:1-25 is a massive declaration of God being a rock and a fortress in such circumstances. Joseph could have stayed bitter, but instead, he leaned into the God who is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Verse 20 says the Lord rewarded him according to his righteousness. From a human perspective, Joseph was in a dungeon. From a divine perspective, he was being prepared for a throne. Stay the course. Your integrity in the dark matters more than your reputation in the light.

Devotional Prompts:

• Joseph fled temptation at a high personal cost. What easy outs are you being tempted with that would compromise your integrity?
• How do you respond when doing the right thing leads to a wrong outcome in the eyes of the world?
• Psalm 18 calls God a fortress. How can you practically take refuge in Him when life feels like a prison?

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to choose holiness over comfort. Even when the world punishes my integrity, remind me that Your presence is my greatest reward. You are my rock and my redeemer. Amen.