Getz handles the basics, but the overall flavor of the book leaves a ‘self-help’ taste in my mouth. While Joseph characterizes much that Christians should emulate, it’s wrong to trivialize his life—and God’s providential design—into a ‘one size fits all’ example to stamp over any situation. Getz goes beyond this at times, but not nearly enough. To paraphrase M’Cheyne: it’s good to think of our ways, but it’s far better to think of Christ.

Joseph’s character and faithfulness eventually became obvious to Potiphar. What he did, insignificant as it may have been, he did well. [54]

Do you think Joseph was ever tempted to blame God? I’m confident he was. But he did not allow that temptation to result in sinful attitudes and actions. Rather, he grew in his relationship with God. Joseph trusted the Lord to be with him and to help him endure these crises. [79]

No matter what the emotional or physical pain, we must not allow ourselves to become bitter toward God; for if we do, we will only compound our problem. Not that God will turn against us. He never will. His love is unconditional. The problem is that we have turned against Him, and in that state of mind we are violating all the necessary steps we must take to draw on Him as our divine Source of strength and help. [79]

Joseph’s brothers found themselves in a serious dilemma—as most people do when they sin and try to cover it up. It may take years for the results of that sin to come to full fruition, but it will happen! And the longer we live in that situation with that sin unconfessed and in a state of unrepentance, the more complex and complicated the results. [141]

The true test of our forgiveness is not if we have eliminated all negative feelings, but rather, whether or not we allow these negative feelings to keep us from doing what is right in spite of these feelings. In time, of course, these negative feelings will also dissipate and come into conformity with what we have already done as an act of the will. [143]

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