Defining Moment

Defining Moment

Potiphar’s Wife

Read: Genesis 39:12

Potiphar’s wife was used to getting what she wanted when she wanted it. But Joseph refused to sleep with her even though she tried day after day to wear him down. Finally, she arranged to be alone with him, grabbed his cloak, and demanded that he go to bed with her. Joseph instantly fled from the house, leaving her stunned and holding his cloak. Potiphar’s wife faced a defining moment in her life. She could admit that Joseph had been right about her sinful behavior and change her ways. Or she could do whatever it took to get herself out of this sticky situation, no matter who got hurt in the process. Would Potiphar’s wife choose to get moral or get even?

When things are going our way, it’s easy to look good. When we don’t get what we want, our true character is revealed. How do we react when our friends turn down our suggestions for a restaurant choice, when our families refuse to go along with our plans for the holiday, or when we don’t get the promotions we want so badly? Each time our desires are frustrated, we make a choice to accept it gracefully and make the best of the situation or to use whatever means we have to get what we want.

Not getting our own way offers us an opportunity to examine our behavior and consider whether our wishes are reasonable. We may discover an attitude or an area of our lives that needs changing. Being frustrated also gives us a chance to mature in our relationships with other people and with God. If we fully trust him with our lives, can we believe that even when we don’t get what we want, he makes sure we get what we truly need?

How do you react when you don’t get what you want?