David Diga Hernandez - 7 Trials of the Called: Blessings

In my series, I’ve been paralleling this message with the story of Joseph while simultaneously sharing my own story in the ministry. I know many of you have been writing to me, expressing that you’re encouraged by what you’re hearing because it truly lifts your spirits to know that this didn’t happen overnight; this ministry didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. There was a process to this, and while we’re still growing and don’t believe we’ve reached any plateau yet, we still have a lot to do. I do believe there are some truths I can help offer, and I found parallels in the life of Joseph. You’re going to find this lesson a bit different from the others because, as I mentioned, this test is one that most people don’t even realize they are taking.

So, go to Genesis chapter 39. I’ll read just a few verses, about a dozen or so, and we’ll begin reading at verse 5. We’ll pick up the story with Joseph after he has been sold into slavery by his brothers and after he’s been faithful in the house of Potiphar. Remember, we talked about faithfulness being consistency with excellence and not merely consistency with apathy. Genesis chapter 39—you’re going to love this; it’s going to challenge you and get right to the core, I promise.

Genesis 39 verse 5: «From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake.» The very fact that Joseph is there is enough for the Lord to bless Potiphar. Now, Potiphar is reaping the benefits of having Joseph’s favor—the favor of God that rests upon Joseph and his household. Joseph is being faithful to the call; he is diligent in doing what he knows is right, continuing with excellence. The scripture says all his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. That’s just supernatural; it’s beyond human control.

Verse 6: «So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing except for what kind of food to eat.» Joseph manages everything so excellently that Potiphar doesn’t have to worry at all—everything runs smoothly. The scripture tells us Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. «Come and sleep with me, ” she demanded. She was very direct, as you can see, but Joseph refused. „Look, ” he told her, „my master trusts me with everything in this entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.“

What’s interesting here is that Joseph is in a place of blessing. Now, this is where many people begin to settle in their walk with God. Trials produce the desire to do better, but comfort and blessings can sometimes be more dangerous because they can lead to apathy, diminishing our hunger, drive, and desire to strive for more and do more for the glory of God. Joseph finds himself in Potiphar’s house, and this is what I would be thinking if I were Joseph—considering not just the situation with Potiphar’s wife but simply the role I hold over Potiphar’s house. I might think that the dream I had in my father’s house had finally come to pass.

Many people mistakenly equate the blessings of God with the destination he has promised them. Now, for those of you who are called by God, please remember this: there is no more dangerous spiritual season for you than one of abundance—when everything runs smoothly and is in order, and you find yourself comfortable. In such a time, you can become tempted to stop seeking God. Your prayers may not be as fervent because you’re not as desperate. Yes, God wants to bless you. Yes, God wants you to experience seasons of rest and abundance. Even the Apostle Paul said he learned how to live both humbly and in abundance; he spoke of living with little and living with much.

So while prosperity is at the heart of the gospel, I do not believe in the prosperity gospel as it’s been defined—where everything is sacrificed for the pursuit of riches. However, I do believe God wants to bless you. Now, Joseph is in Potiphar’s house; he is blessed and has authority. Remember, his dream was that people would bow to him. He might have thought, „I’ve arrived; there’s nothing more to obtain—everything I dreamed of has finally come to pass.“

Here’s the problem: many believers get stuck in this season because they want to settle for what’s comfortable. They refuse to receive from God what is better, choosing instead what is immediate. They end up missing out on the fullness of what God has for them. The scripture continues in verse 10: „She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her and kept out of her way as much as possible.“ He didn’t go looking for temptation.