It is vital that we spend time in God’s Word.

But it’s not always easy.

We read a chapter and we don’t know what to get out of it or even how to start to understand it.

I thought I could try to help you get a little something out of what you are reading by providing you with some questions to ask as you look at the text.  Good questions are a good start to understanding. Sometimes there will be more questions, sometimes less.

You can do this!

So, get a notebook, a pen, your Bible, and if you would like some help, take some time to answer the questions, and you may be surprised by all God teaches you.

Genesis 39

1. The first verse brings us back to the Joseph story. What change has taken place though in the meantime?
2. Joseph's been sold as a slave. But does that mean God has forgotten him? How do you know that?
3. How many times in verses 3 through 5 does it say that God was with Joseph or God blessed Joseph? Why do you think he keeps repeating that? What is that telling you that you need to remember as you read the rest of this story?
4. Earlier in Genesis, when God's people were in foreign lands, what happened to their wives? How were their wives rescued from that? Now, in this story it's an Egyptian wife and Joseph and how is Joseph rescued from the situation he finds himself in?
5. What are some reasons Joseph might have been tempted to sin in this situation? What reasons does he give as to why he will not sin?
6. We've seen a lot of wickedness in God's people so far, but here we are finally seeing someone who is being faithful to God's commands. And yet, what happens to Joseph?
7. At the end of this story, Joseph has gone from being a slave to being in prison. Has he done anything that "deserves" this?
8. But what happens when Joseph is in prison?
9. What challenges and encouragements and questions do you have after reading through this part of the story?