In my time working for an inner city ministry, one of my colleagues was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct towards one of our clients. As we’re seeing in the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements, sexual harassment happens everywhere — even in Christian ministries — and any complaint needs to be taken seriously.
However, in my co-worker’s case, he was blameless. The woman who had made the allegation later admitted she had made up the whole thing.
Joseph’s no stranger to being falsely accused. After his brothers sold him into slavery, he had been bought by one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, and was eventually put in charge of Potiphar’s entire house and business. Because God blessed Joseph, Potiphar was also blessed.
But there was just one problem: Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to sleep with her. Over and over he would reject her advances, and over and over she would persist. Until one day when she had had enough — she got him thrown into jail, claiming Joseph had tried to rape her.
Joseph had to endure years of prison, knowing he had done nothing wrong. I can imagine he exprerienced his fair share of anger, dispair, and heartache — and yet, Genesis 39:20 says, “the Lord was with him.” In a place where God seemed so far away, God was right there by Joseph’s side.
Even in our darkest places, God is with us. When we’re falsely accused, when it seems like there’s no hope, take heart. God is near, and He never leaves or forsakes His children.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you’re always with me wherever I go. Help me to remember to trust in your ultimate plan, and to seek your will in every situation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Go Deeper — Are you in a situation that seems hopeless? Write down the phrase “The Lord is with me” and post it somewhere you frequently look (i.e. the bathroom mirror, your desktop screensaver, or the dashboard of your car) to remind you of God’s constant presence in your life.
Photo Credit: Dan Grinwis