The Power of God’s Presence: How to Navigate Success, Temptation, and Hardship
Have you ever asked yourself: How would my life change if I truly believed God was with me—every moment, every season? Would it shift how you think, how you react, how you live?
That question leads us straight into Genesis 39, where we walk with Joseph through soaring success, brutal betrayal, and relentless temptation. His story reminds us that recognizing God’s presence—in the highs, the lows, and the struggles—changes everything.
The Highs: Worship in Success
Joseph’s rise in Potiphar’s house is meteoric. The text says repeatedly, “The Lord was with Joseph,” and it’s this presence—not Joseph’s skills—that brings success. His story flips the script on how we view achievement. Success isn’t just something to enjoy; it’s something that should point us to worship.
But worship isn’t confined to songs or Sunday. It’s what we do with every moment and decision. As Psalm 115 warns, we become like whatever we worship. If we idolize money, we become greedy. If we worship status, we become self-centered. If we honor God, we begin to reflect His character.
Worship in success means giving God the credit, not hoarding it. Take Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. Closing on Sundays was less about business and more about worship—a statement that God comes first, even above profit.
Joseph’s life poses the question: When success comes, do we worship the gift—or the Giver?
Temptation: Run, Don’t Reason
Joseph’s success brings another challenge: temptation. Potiphar’s wife pursues him day after day. But instead of rationalizing, Joseph runs.
He calls the situation what it is: “a wicked thing and a sin against God.” No excuses. No justifications. Just truth. And then action.
Too often we treat sin lightly—calling it a “slip-up” or a “bad decision.” But Joseph reminds us that sin is serious. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about who we’re offending: a holy God.
Proverbs 5:3–4 offers a vivid warning: sin can look sweet and smooth, but its end is bitter and sharp. Joseph didn’t just resist—he fled. That’s the model. When temptation shows up, don’t flirt with it. Run.
The Lows: Obey Anyway
You’d think doing the right thing would lead to reward—but Joseph’s integrity lands him in prison. Falsely accused and forgotten, he sits in a dark place for doing the right thing.
Yet even in prison, the text repeats, “The Lord was with Joseph.” God’s presence doesn’t always remove the pain—but it transforms it.
What stands out is Joseph’s continued faithfulness. He doesn’t wallow in self-pity or become bitter. He remains obedient, trustworthy, and diligent—even when it doesn’t seem to pay off.
This is Psalm 23 in real life: “Even though I walk through the valley… You are with me.” Joseph shows us what it means to obey in the dark, to trust when there’s no evidence things will improve.
Bringing It Home: What Joseph’s Story Teaches Us
Joseph’s life is a pattern for our own:
In success, worship God, not yourself.
In temptation, run with urgency.
In hardship, obey without needing results.
And through it all, trust that God is present. Not just watching from a distance—but actively with you, shaping your character through the journey.
Joseph ultimately points to someone greater—Jesus, who also faced temptation, betrayal, and suffering. But unlike Joseph, Jesus was perfect. And He didn’t just survive the pit—He conquered it, once and for all.
So here’s the question for you:
What would change if you actually lived like God was with you—right now, in your real circumstances?
Would you stop striving for credit? Would you run from what’s destroying you? Would you keep obeying, even when the outcome feels unclear?
The invitation is clear: Live like God is with you. Because He is. And when you do, you’ll discover that His presence is the key to navigating life’s highest peaks, lowest valleys, and toughest temptations—not just surviving them, but being transformed through them.