The Furnace of LeadershipSample

When Doing the Right Thing Costs You Everything

Joseph did everything right. He served faithfully. He earned trust. He stewarded well. He fled temptation. He honoured God. And still—he was falsely accused, misjudged, and thrown into prison.

One of the hardest realities for a Christian leader to face is this: your integrity won’t always protect you from injustice. Sometimes, choosing what’s right leads you straight into the fire instead of out of it. And it’s gutting.

When you’ve poured yourself into work with excellence…
When you’ve kept your heart clean while others played dirty…
When you’ve resisted what no one else would’ve known about…
And yet it still ends in loss, slander, or silence—it hurts.

The only comforting truth in this passage is this: “The Lord was with Joseph.”

That’s what carried him. Not the validation of Potiphar. Not a good outcome. But the quiet, powerful presence of a God who saw everything—and stayed.

If you’re in a season where doing the right thing has cost you your position, reputation, or peace—hold steady.

Dear leader, my encouragement to you today is this: The same God who was with Joseph in the palace was with him in the prison. And He’s with you, too.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

• Where have you been tempted to compromise because no one else would know?
• Have you experienced injustice after choosing to walk in integrity?
• What would it look like to trust that God sees and honours you, even when others don’t?