Day 2 - Right-hand Man

I had been sold to a man named Potiphar, who happened to be Pharaoh’s Chief Security Officer. Talk about an important position! All in all, he was quite a chilled man actually; he just let me get on with my work. It took some time for me to learn the Egyptian language, but I eventually picked it up. God had blessed me with a sharp mind after all. Their way of living was quite different from how I had been brought up, but I grew to understand and began to adapt to the culture, whilst holding on to my belief in Yahweh. As the weeks turned into months, and the months turned into years, I settled into a natural rhythm. In fact, at some point, it became clear to me that Yahweh had not abandoned me after all! He was there with me every step of the way. He gave me such a grace for my tasks; even my master, Potiphar could not help but notice. In no time, Potiphar made me his PA, his right-hand man. He handed over his entire family business to me, even the day-to-day running of his household. Through me, he got to experience the covenant blessing of Yahweh; everything that belonged to him flourished – his business, investments, livestock, everything!

As for me, I kept growing – in stature, wisdom, and God’s grace. I noticed that some of the servant girls tried to flirt with me from time to time, but I wasn’t having anything of that. Yes, a few of them were pretty, but I just wasn’t interested. My aim was to do my best and to find a way to get back home. I missed my father and little brother Benjamin so much. Thinking back to those times though, I can only say that it was God’s grace that kept me. There were several opportunities to have many-a-one-night-stand; even Mrs Potiphar began to be on my case. I must confess, she was beautiful! However, I could not bring myself to sleep with her. There was too much at stake – my faith in Yahweh, my destiny, my life (I was Potiphar’s PA for crying out loud!). She kept pestering me, but I continued to refuse. I even had to avoid her as much as possible. Indeed, Yahweh’s grace restrained me; His purpose kept me focussed. Truly, when you commit your ways unto the Lord, He will establish your plans (cf. Prov 16:3, Psalm 37:5). Unlike you, I didn’t have those scriptures to refer to then. I simply learnt the principles from my father and experienced them for myself as life went on.

Then one day, I decided to catch up on some chores in the house. I was so engrossed in my work, that I didn’t notice that there was no other servant around. Where were they in fact? Probably taking a break or so. Before I realised what was happening, there was Mrs. P – again! This time, she looked even more alluring than ever. She grabbed my blazer and begged me to sleep with her. I didn’t even have time to refuse her as in previous times; I simply ran for my life! One bit of lifesaving advice - don’t ever play with the fire of temptation; don’t even try to fight it or reason with it. Run, run, run for dear life! It is never worth it.

As I ran through the back door, I could hear her screaming for the house servants. I guessed as much! She was going to twist the story and make it seem like it was me who was coming on to her. Some of the servants believed her, but a few who had gotten to know me well, stood by me. Eventually, Mr P came home; however, my blazer was still with Mrs P. In between her story and the “evidence” in her hands, I stood no chance before Mr P. I tried to tell him the truth; even a few of my fellow servant friends defended me, but all to no avail. I had never seen Mr P so livid! He ordered a few hefty male servants to bundle me up and had me thrown into Prison. Not just any Prison; Pharaoh’s own Prison. Talk about the ADX Florence or HMP Wakefields of my time!

This was the beginning of the third “P-moment” of my life. From the Pit to Potiphar’s house, and now to Prison. Could life get any worse?! I was angry, discouraged, and downright confused. Was this what I got for refusing temptation, for doing the right thing?! You see my dear friends, in life, staying the course and refusing to compromise does not automatically win you brownie points. In fact, I can guarantee that it will automatically win your opposition. “Why?”, you might ask. It is because you are swimming against the tides of the world. You are choosing to live a counter-cultural life. I dare say that it is not easy; I mean, look at what happened to me! However, with hindsight, I have come to learn this life-long truth – one with God is always, always a majority.

And so, life in Prison began. Initially, I was so hurt, and so disappointed in Yahweh. I thought that life had taken a good turn for me in Potiphar’s house. I mean, I had risen to become the Chief Servant of the Chief Security Officer of Egypt. What a rank! And now? I was stuck in Jail for a crime I did not commit. Despite my pain, I slowly began to find solace in Yahweh again. I poured out my anger and anguish before Him, and let Him know how I really felt. Though I couldn’t understand why He had allowed me to end up in Prison, and how this was contributing to the bright future that He had for me, I had to trust Him. There was no other way.

I would like to pause here to encourage someone reading this, who may be on the brink of giving up. You may have continuously done everything you know to do that is right, yet it feels like misfortune keeps following you around. Don’t worry! Trust me, I can say that now. In the midst of all the pain and disappointment, God is right there with you. He never left your side. Tell Him how you feel; He is big enough to handle it. He knows how you are feeling anyway, so you might as well open up your heart to Him. He is a Friend like no other, an ever-present Help (cf. Psalm 46:1).

Now back to my story … Sure enough, as I held onto Yahweh, joy began to well up on the inside of me again. I soon became the Jailer’s favourite; his right-hand man. Hmm … This pattern of favouritism that kept getting me into trouble! I wasn’t too sure that I liked being the favourite anymore. Ahh well, I guess it was my lot. Yahweh continued to shower His favour and love on me. The Jailer put me in charge of all my fellow prisoners, and little did I know, my story was about to take another turn …

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You that You hold every day of my life in Your mighty hands.

Even when I don't understand what's going on. Even when I would rather be anywhere but here, I know that You have my life all figured out.

Help me in the disappointing and hurtful moments; help me when it feels like the whole world is against me.

I may feel angry, still, but I just want You to know that I trust You. I hand everything over to You. Amen.

Love,

Me