August 6, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Endures
Devotions from the life of a dreamer with character
12.When You Do Good and Get Punished
Holding on to What’s Right – Even When It Hurts
Introduction
It’s a bitter moment when you choose to do the right thing – and instead of receiving praise, you’re met with punishment.
Joseph knew this pain. He had resisted Potiphar’s wife when she tried to seduce him and fled from sin. But instead of being rewarded, he found himself in prison – dishonored, falsely accused, forgotten.
The Bible does not hide the fact that obedience can sometimes lead to suffering. But it also shows: God’s faithfulness does not stop when we end up in a cell.
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Devotional
“But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
Genesis 39:21
There are moments in life when we do everything right – and yet everything still goes wrong. For Joseph, that moment was the day he fled from Potiphar’s wife in moral integrity – and ended up behind prison bars. The Bible is clear: obedience doesn’t always bring instant reward; sometimes it leads us into deeper valleys.
Joseph had every reason to grow bitter:
He had been betrayed by his brothers, sold by strangers, wronged by his master, and ruined by a false accusation. Each of these wounds could have hardened his heart. Yet instead of saying, “It’s useless to serve God,” he chose to keep trusting.
The secret?
The Bible doesn’t say, “Joseph was strong.”
It says, “The LORD was with Joseph.”
That’s the key – God’s presence was not a reward for trouble‑free days, but His promise for every place, even prison walls.
In prison, Joseph’s faith proved to be more than a “sunny day” faith. He began to take responsibility, even with no visible prospects. He worked faithfully, as if serving God Himself (cf. Colossians 3:23). He used his gift – interpreting dreams – not to free himself, but to help others.
Here is a deep spiritual truth: Faithfulness to God is not a business deal where we trade obedience for immediate blessing. It’s a relationship in which we love Him because He is faithful, even when we don’t see the purpose in our situation.
Sometimes God allows us to remain in the “prison of circumstances” to shape our character:
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He teaches us patience when the way out is slow in coming.
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He deepens our trust when we don’t understand His silence.
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He makes us more compassionate toward others when we have suffered ourselves.
The world says, “If doing good hurts, it’s not worth it.”
God says, “Stay faithful – I see you, and your seed will bear fruit in the proper time” (cf. Galatians 6:9).
Joseph could not see the day he would stand before Pharaoh. He didn’t know that the prison door was the pathway to the palace. But he knew that God was faithful – and that was enough.
That’s why Joseph’s life testifies that the deepest valleys are often the road to the highest peaks. Whoever holds God’s hand in the dark will see the light shine all the brighter when the door opens.
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What We Can Learn from Joseph
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God’s presence is independent of place – palace or prison, He was with Joseph.
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Faithfulness is not always rewarded immediately – sometimes it takes years to see the outcome.
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Service is never wasted – Joseph served in prison, and it was there the turning point came.
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Circumstances do not define your identity – Joseph was still God’s man in captivity.
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Bitterness robs blessing – Joseph did not allow disappointment to chain his heart.
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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?
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When was the last time you experienced “unjust punishment”?
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How do you respond when doing good is not rewarded but punished?
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Are there situations where you are tempted to compromise out of disappointment?
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What helps you sense God’s presence in difficult circumstances?
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Who can you serve despite your own hardships?
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Story – “The Teacher Who Was Suspended”
Chapter 1 – The Conflict
Lucas was a teacher at a high school in Chicago. He loved his work and invested especially in students others had given up on.
One day he defended a student who had been falsely accused of cheating. He presented evidence, spoke publicly against the administration’s decision – and found himself in trouble.
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Chapter 2 – The Punishment
A week later he received the news: “Suspended pending investigation.”
It was a shock. He had done the right thing, and now his reputation was at stake. Friends advised him to keep quiet, even apologize – though he had done nothing wrong.
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Chapter 3 – The Decision
Lucas prayed long and hard. He knew he couldn’t backtrack just to save his job. He would tell the truth – even if it cost him his position.
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Chapter 4 – The Long Wait
Months passed. Lucas lived off savings, took side jobs, and stayed in touch with a few students. He battled discouragement – yet experienced moments when God’s presence felt especially close.
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Chapter 5 – The Turnaround
One evening the student’s father called. “Mr. Meier, the investigation is over. You were right. The school board wants you back.”
On his first day back, students greeted him with signs: “Welcome back!”
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Chapter 6 – Looking Back
Later Lucas said, “The months of suspension were hard – but I learned that God is faithful even when every door is shut. And that integrity is worth more than a quick win.”
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Lessons from the Story
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True faithfulness shows itself most in injustice.
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God sees when no one else does.
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The path of integrity is rarely the easiest, but it is always the safest.
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Application
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Commit to stand for truth even under pressure.
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Look for ways to serve God despite limiting circumstances.
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Ask God for strength to keep bitterness out of your heart.
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Prayer
Lord,
You see when I am treated unfairly.
Help me hold on to Your truth, even when it hurts.
Keep me from bitterness, and teach me to serve You – in the palace and in the prison.
Amen.
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Key Thought of the Day
Faithfulness is worth more than a quick win.
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Blessing to Close
May the Lord who was with Joseph in prison be with you in every situation.
May He keep your heart pure, your hands strong, and your hope alive
until He opens the door – at the right time.
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