Proof That Isn't True

And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. Genesis 39:12

There are parts of Joseph’s life that are so disturbing. He paid a high price for untrue things that were said and believed about him. Twice we see incidents where he is doing what he is suppose to do and yet “evidence” is presented that is used to paint an untrue picture about him. The result was separation and imprisonment.

In Genesis 37, Joseph is sent to check up on his brothers. His visit with them results in him being sold as a slave to some passing merchants. As a way of covering their tracks his brothers take his special coat that his father gave to him, dip it in the blood of an animal, and present it as apparent “proof” that he is no longer alive. Heartbroken and full of grief, his father accepts what he sees and what he is told as truth.

In Genesis 39, Joseph is bought as a slave and rises to a prominent position in Potiphar’s house. He refuses the advancements of Potiphar’s wife and runs, leaving his garment behind. As a way of hiding her own tracks, Potiphar’s wife takes his garment, holds it up to her husband as “proof” of Joseph’s intentions, and proceeds to malign Joseph’s character. Full of anger and rage, he accepts what he sees and what he is told as truth.

What was presented as truth and believed to be true was not true! How imperative it is that we not be found presenting lies as truth and also that we not be found accepting lies as truth. May we walk with integrity and discernment when it comes to handling and accepting actual truth.

And may we follow Joseph’s example when lies about us are being spoken and believed. God knows the true nature of our hearts, intentions, and actions. If we entrust the situation to Him, He will make sure the truth is eventually known. In the mean time, we must continue to live out each day with a determination to do what is right and faithfully carry out His plans for us. We cannot control what others may say or believe about us but we can rest in the fact that our Heavenly Father knows the truth. That knowledge alone should cause us to hold our heads up high when others would shake their heads because of faulty beliefs. In time, He will expose the truth and bring about what He intended for our life.

Father, when it is all said and done, I rest in the fact that You know the truth. No one else’s opinion or beliefs compare to Yours. Amen.