Joseph Chooses What Is Right

Joseph walked beside the caravan all the way to Egypt.

The journey was long. Each day, the travelers crossed dry roads beneath the hot sun. At night, Joseph looked up at the stars and remembered his home.

He missed his father. He even missed the brothers who had treated him so badly.

Joseph did not know what would happen next, but he knew one important thing: God was still with him.

During the journey, Joseph remembered what his father had taught him about God. Even far from home, he decided to remain faithful and do what was right.

At last, the caravan arrived in Egypt.

Joseph saw tall buildings, busy streets, colorful markets, and more people than he had ever seen before. Merchants called to one another while carts rolled past and donkeys carried heavy baskets.

Everything looked strange and new.

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to a man named Potiphar. Potiphar was an important officer who worked for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

Joseph was taken to Potiphar's large house.

At first, Joseph may have felt frightened. He was far from home, and he did not know anyone there.

Still, Joseph decided to do his very best.

He worked carefully. He listened well. He was honest, patient, and kind.

God was with Joseph and helped him in everything he did.

Potiphar soon noticed that Joseph could be trusted.

“Joseph, you have done good work,” Potiphar told him. “I will place you in charge of my entire house.”

Joseph was given many responsibilities. He made sure the work was completed, the food was prepared, and everything in the house was cared for properly.

While Joseph was in charge, Potiphar's household did very well.

But one day, Potiphar's wife asked Joseph to do something that he knew was wrong.

Joseph shook his head.

“No,” he said. “I will not do what is wrong. I want to obey God and be faithful to Potiphar.”

Potiphar's wife became angry because Joseph would not listen to her.

Then she told a lie about him.

She claimed that Joseph had behaved badly, even though he had done nothing wrong.

When Potiphar heard the accusation, he became angry and sent Joseph to prison, even though Joseph was innocent.

What had happened to Joseph was unfair. Being in prison did not mean that he had been bad or that God had stopped loving him.

Joseph had chosen to be faithful. Even as his life changed again, he could keep trusting God. A difficult time was beginning, but he would also find people he could help.