THE PERSONAL RAMIFICATIONS

by Charles R.
Swindoll

Read Genesis 39:19-23

Imagine what must have been going through Joseph's mind at this
point, shortly after he was incarcerated. He was not only innocent, he had
resisted blatant temptation over and over again. (He'd never read Genesis 41. He
didn't know what the final outcome would be. He didn't know that in a matter of
years he would be prime minister of Egypt.) All the man knew at this painful
moment was that he had done what was right and had suffered wrong for it. Time
dragged by. Days turned into months. He was, again, unfairly
rejected---forgotten---totally helpless.

But somehow, in the midst of this unfair situation, Joseph sensed
that Jehovah's hand was in all this. "Joseph, you're Mine. Just wait. I'm with
you. I'm not ignoring you or rejecting you. You will be a better man, Joseph,
because of this accusation against you. I'm not through preparing you for My
service."

It may be that you are facing temptation right now. Perhaps you
have already yielded. A few of my readers may be thinking, Preach it,
brother, I need to hear it. So far I've resisted the lure of sensual temptation,
and I need help to keep standing strong. But not one person reading this
can say, "I don't know what you're talking about, Chuck. I've never encountered
anything like this in my entire life."

You and I need to discern the times in which we live. We are
living in an era that attempts to stretch grace to heretical extremes. I see it
and hear it virtually every week of my life. So allow me to say this very
straight: The greatest gift you can give to your marriage partner is your
purity, your fidelity. The greatest character trait you can provide your spouse
and your family is moral and ethical self-control. Stand firm, my friend. Refuse
to yield. Joseph did and so can you. So must you!

Whatever your situation, no matter how alluring or pleasurable or
momentarily delightful the bait looks, don't linger. Claim the supernatural
strength that comes from knowing Jesus Christ and, operating under the control
of His power, stand strong in His might. Right now, this very moment, determine
to be a Joseph. Make up your mind to join God's ranks---and from this day
forward, resist.

Otherwise, you will yield. It's only a matter of
time.

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