Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:1-13, Genesis 37:18-28, Genesis 39:21-23, Genesis 41:46-57, Genesis 50:15-21
Would ten-years-ago you believe what your life is like today? I know mine wouldn’t. He’d laugh, shake his head, pat me on the back and say, “Yeah, right, pal. You aren’t going to be a pastor. You aren’t marrying that girl from the coffee shop. Kids? You can’t even get to work on time. Good luck with that.” Of course, ten-years-ago me was a moron. He didn’t know what he didn’t know.
The dreams God gave Joseph set him on a winding, bumpy, spiraling path that led to rock bottom. Literally. From being thrown into a pit and sold into slavery, to being imprisoned in Egypt—Joseph’s life was the pits, but God was with him.
Through Joseph’s wisdom and gifting, he was eventually brought out of prison and promoted to be Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Do you think in-the-pit Joseph ever could have foreseen this? Sure, Joseph had seen a glimpse of what was in his future because God had shown him in a dream. But he didn’t know how all the gaps would be filled in—what would happen in between prison and the visions God had given him? When a famine in the region led to Joseph’s family bowing down before him, honoring and thanking him for the provisions given to them, Joseph’s vision came true but only because God is faithful.
There are all kinds of dreams and hopes we have for our lives. Some of them will come true. Many won’t. But God hasn’t promised to meet all of our wishes. He’s promised to love us. He’s promised to transform us into the image of His Son, the crucified and risen Lord (2Corinthians 5:17). Jesus experienced suffering, so yeah, we will have to as well (John 16:33). Between the good and bad, the known and unknown, we need to learn to trust God with the gaps in our lives—come what may. He never forgets us. He is always with us.
Jesus was betrayed by one closest to him too—His disciple Judas. He was brought low and lifted up at the cross. Jesus was locked in the prison of death, but up from the grave He arose and ascended to the Father’s right hand, where He reigns and rules over the universe. What people meant for evil, God meant for good—in Joseph’s life, in Jesus’s life, and in our lives too.
Written by J. A. Medders
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101 thoughts on "Joseph"
Lord, help me to trust You with the highs and lows of this life. Help me to always remember that what others mean for bad, You can use for good.
Help me to always trust you in the gaps in my life. What others meant for evil, work it all together for good and for your glory.
Amen
Trust God with the gaps in my life… Amen
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And here we are with dreams again. :) When I initially read the about Joseph and he shares his first dream, I always read it with a tone of arrogance – and kind of “look at me, I’m going to be better than you”, maybe moreso because of the way it is received? Or is it just brothers jabbing at each other? Or where his brothers already harsh on him because Joseph was favored and so he was fighting for his position? Regardless, I’m not sure I would communicate that kind of dream to anyone?
I can’t wrap my head around being so cruel to the point of wanting to kill my own flesh and blood. Joseph’s life is perhaps on if the most beautifully depicted of how God works in ways far beyond our understanding, bringing good from evil, beauty from ashes. That forgiveness after such betrayal is possible. It is all such a poignant reminder that God fills in the gaps, that He is always at work, that we can’t give up hope for situations and circumstances in our lives to improve, be better, to be redeemed and restored.
Thank you Lord, that you are always at work in ways beyond my understanding. That you will right every wrong, that you bring hope, help and healing, that you desire good for our lives. Keep me close to your heart Father, walking in step with you so I don’t forget who you are and how you are always at work. Amen ❤️
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The Lord so graciously granted me the energy to finish most of my work, and nudged me to read today’s devotion. How I needed this loving nudge to remind myself to trust God in the gaps in my life, mainly my singleness. Mother’s Day felt hard as so many young women my age are celebrating their first Mother’s Day. I felt lacking and longing for what I desire so deeply. Thank you Father for reminding me to trust You and to rest in the truth that You are working all things together for my good.
Praying your surgery went well Martha! Goodnight sisters ❤️
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God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve read this story countless times over the years, but today, tears over the reunion. Maybe it’s because my firstborn is graduating from high school in a few weeks and just completed her last theatre production this weekend. But what a story, of how God works things out in the end. With my daughter not choosing to believe in Christ (yet!), it’s a great and hopeful reminder that His plans WILL come to fruition.
Andrew update: They have a doctor’s appointment today to learn what his lifestyle restrictions will be with the shunt. It’s been two weeks, and it seems to be working very well – Andrew (9) is back to seeming like himself. (Praise!)
On May 21, a bigger appointment when they hope to learn the results from the lumbar puncture and a treatment plan. Please pray for that, and for their kids’ hearts as they figure out how to discuss it all.
Continued prayers for Andrew!
Praying for Andrew and his family
Praying Lisa for Andrew and his family as the continue this journey..❤
Thank you!!
Hello Shes
Remarkable to me is how Joseph held no bitterness or resentment towards his brothers. He cried tears of joy & welcome when they approached him. (Though we know there was trying & testing in other parts of the story!).
Lord, may this be true in my own travels through life. That I grew into a mature faith. That I trusted You over human circumstances & conditions. That I freely forgave others as I was forgiven. That I never missed an opportunity, through your generosity, to help others. That I knew my bottom, was Your beginning.
All honor & glory to Your Name.
Yes, that is amazing. I noticed the sentence before that the brothers were worried so they “decided” to tell Joseph his “beloved father” said not to hold any anger. Is there a message there? I dunno, lol. Sounds just like siblings. They do all that stuff, and still don’t seem humble. Maybe scared and desperate.
I think time elapsed between when Joseph’s brothers harmed him and when they were reunited. Also, Joseph has time to learn to forgive them and work on forging them; it wasn’t instant
It is remarkable Gwineth, but I would imagine the years in between had put things into perspective. Most importantly, His relationship and journey with God would have helped give him a heart change over the years and further trials he faced. ❤
Great prayer! ❤
The enemy wants to steal, kill, destroy but God wants to give life and life to the fullest. It may not look pretty or not be painful but God uses all circumstances for his good. He sees us and knows what we need. Thank you God for knowing my whole story and knowing what is best for me.
Amen & Amen, Katarina!
Amen!
Amen! ❤️
I want to thank all my She sisters for blessing me with your prayers for my Mohs surgery today. I am so grateful and appreciative for your prayers and the comfort and peace it is bringing me. Blessings to you all! God is so good! ❤️
(double heart!)
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Still praying and Hope-filled that all went well and that you still feel the peace as you recover..❤
Thank you all for your insights! And I will be praying for all!
I had someone teach me the Gen 50:20 principle as a young mom. Never thought I would need to practice it until something happened at work. I found when inn no put into practice that I was freed from the grip of anger and unforgiveness had on my heart. I was set free. I have found God has used what was meant for evil and will always turn it for my good!
God is faithful!
Oh Praise God…that is definitely something many Christ followers still struggle with…But we are free with him!
Our worldly selves can learn a lot by examining the attitude of the brothers. They represent the dark side of humanity.Jealousy led them to consider murdering their own flesh and blood! We may not consider murder, but how many times does jealousy block us from seeing God working in someone else? We should put jealousy aside and join in that work.
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Joseph gives us much to consider on the light side. I am so thankful for this example! I choose to trust and believe like Joseph.
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A song that has stayed in my mind and helped me recently is Oh My Soul by Casting Crowns. I just love the bridge and chorus:
Bridge
I’m not strong enough
I can’t take anymore
You can lay it down
You can lay it down
And my shipwrecked faith
Will never get me to shore
You can lay it down
You can lay it down
Can he find me here?
Can he keep me, from going under?
Chorus
Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There’s a place where fear
Has to face the God you know
One more day
He will make a way
Let Him show you how
You can lay this down
‘Cause you’re not alone
Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters!
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Martha Hix, I have prayed for you this morning and will throughout the day! ❤
Thank you so much Cee Gee for your thoughtfulness and prayers for me today. I am so grateful and appreciate your praying.
God is good! ❤️
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“We may not consider murder, but how many times does jealousy block us from seeing God working in someone else? We should put jealousy aside and join in that work.”
Yes, Cee Gee, something to meditate upon, with searing honesty.
Yes, that’s so good! Oh…Lord…much works still! But better than I was!!
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Love that song!
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So good, Cee Gee!
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❤❤❤. Loving the words of the song tooooooo.
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Joseph’s story is a reminder that God is faithful through the trials we face! His forgiveness of his brothers is so inspiring. I have been wronged by my older brother many times over & struggled to forgive him for the abuse my Mom & I suffered at his hands. But God worked in my heart and allowed me to find forgiveness not for the sake of my brother (who won’t apologize) but for my sake. Matthew 18:22 says to forgive 77×7! May we find forgiveness for those who have wronged us just as Jesus forgives us every time we sin!
Wow, Susan, what a story of God‘s power! I’m amazed that you were able to forgive your brother, but what a great example for everyone here including myself. May God bless you.
Praying for that Brother’s heart to change. And praying for you and your mom. The one who forgives is no longer held captive! You have done something amazing!
Thank you for sharing, and agree with ^^^
Life is full of disappointments. While we live in this world an until Jesus comes for us, there will be hardships/disappointments. This is something I’ve told myself and my kiddos. BUT GOD….He does not disappoint, even when it may fee like it (as we are human), He does not, as it mentions today, He does not forget us. We know that we know HE is and will always be with us. Reading the part of Joseph in Genesis is probably one of favorites. I would say Joseph is one of my favorites in the bible. He seemed very sweet and genuine and I know I have mentioned this before, I have heard that Joseph’s character was the closet to that of OUR JESUS! Today, though evil, hardships and down right just ugliness and VERY scary things that have happened to me, I will trust my Jesus as He has been SO good to me and YOU sweet She’s. As J.A. Medders mentions today: “Between the good and bad, the known and unknown, we need to learn to trust God with the gaps in our lives – come what may. He never forgets us. He will always be with us.” Sigh….And I trust HIM!
Amen! ❤️
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I love Joseph’s heart in chapter 50. They all wept together…they had all grown and learned from their mistakes and from others mistakes. God worked it out and so beautifully, because He is always faithful!!
Yes, Erica!
The teen age Joseph, the braggart unto himself!
The mature Joseph, the rescuer of many!
I love that Gwineth❤❤
I can’t help but compare the story of Joseph with the Megillah Esther. G-d’s name is mentioned in the Joseph story.In both storied G-d is divinely orchestrating events for the salvation and preservation of a people! That is the whole story of the Gospel!
Jesus is often compared to Joseph. Joseph suffered so he could bring salvation to his family and others.
Jesus was a suffering servant.
In rabbinic Judaism there are two concepts of the Messiah. Not two Messiahs. The suffering servant and the conquering king.Jesus when He walked the earth was the suffering servant but will be the come back as the conquering king.
G-d sometimes puts people in the palace to accomplish his will and sometimes He takes them out.
Yes, Tanya!
Planned & orchestrated.
Foretold & executed.
Joseph lifted from pit & prison.
Christ lifted from the cross & death.
GM She’s!
The story of Joseph has always been one of my favorites! We knew Joseph had a good of many colors and loved by his father. We knew he was thrown in a pit, and then sold as a slave..wrongly accused, thrown in jail. This story holds even stronger today as now I/we have lived a life of ups and downs, round and round, weaving paths of ugly and beautiful. God had given Joseph a promise in the dreams. I wonder if he held on to that to keep him strong in the pits of his life?! I’m sure he did…as he was scared in the pit thinking his life was over. When he was sold. His long days and years in prison. It serves as a big reminder that God sees the big picture and works in the small details. There are lessons to learn, trust to build, faith to grow in the hard times of life that looks so unfair to us. I use the story often for my jail ladies to give them hope.
Now my dear nephew has gone to jail and I am so worried for him. I have prayed that God use these trials to bring him to the Lord, he is an atheist. If you could just say a prayer for his protection please.
One of my favorite songs comes to mind “Trust in God” by Elevation Worship. If I keep trusting (and obeying), God has a great plan for my life “a plan to prosper not to harm, for a hope and a future” and “for such a time as this!” I may not even see the good outcome myself, but God is putting all the pieces together, it is only my job to trust and grow closer to him. The disciples lives did not end picture perfect, yet, they had a love for God and proclaimed His name. That is my job, proclaim his name, minister and bless others, and give him Glory, even in the pits and prison.
Oh Rhonda yes, of course I will pray for your nephew. I pray for God to open his heart to his love and kindness, and he would be protected until God rescues him out. And praying for you!
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Praying for your nephew!
Praying for your nephew Rhonda!
Thank ya’ll so much.
I will absolutely pray for your nephew. And you and his parents and the family as you hold fast to the truth that God will be near at all times to him, not because he believes but because you (and others) pray for him.❤❤
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“Between the good and bad, the known and unknown, we need to learn to trust God with the gaps in our lives…”
This. Trusting God when times are bad when there are huge gaps, when
the future is unknown. That’s what faith is all about. Trusting God because even though we can’t see beyond the moment, God sees it all – beginning to end. He never forgets us. He is always with us. He is always faithful.
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Thank you Father that You never forget us. Thank You for always being with us. Remind me daily that I am not living some random life, but a life you have purposed for me – one that is to bring You glory. Go before me, make my path straight, keep my eyes on You. In Jesus name.
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@Martha Hix – praying for your procedure to go well, and to be less painful than the last!
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Happy Tuesday She’s! ❤️
“I am not living some random life, but a life you have purposed for me – one that is to bring You glory. Go before me, make my path straight, keep my eyes on You!”
Amen!
Ditto! ❤
Thank you for your prayers, Sharon
I am so thankful! ❤️
“Remind me daily that I am not living some random life, but a life you have purposed for me – one that is to bring You glory.”
Yes, SJG!
Count me in!
Amen! ❤️
Amen, Sharon! ❤❤
Father God reward my faith, forgive my doubt. Your plans are better than mine, help me to trust and believe. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen!! ❤️
Amen❤️
In the podcast this week, the fact that Joseph kept sharing his dreams to his brothers was discussed. I also thought, like the guest, when reading these passages, why does Joseph keep sharing about his dreams? It seemed like he was being a brat. But it was discussed that these were visions from God. They were divine. So in fact, Joseph was right to share them. Then when I read this, “His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind” – it made me think that when all of this came to pass, I am sure Joseph’s brothers and father remembered when God spoke to Joseph so long ago. That wold certainly strengthen one’s trust in God – to know that He was already orchestrating all of this way before it was even possible.
Reminds me today that God is orchestrating so many things now that I cannot see or even fathom. Some of these things seem so impossible. But God is not a God who is limited by our imaginations or circmstances. He is able to do immeasurably more than we even thought or imagined!
“God is not a God who is limited by our imaginations or circumstances.”
Amen! ❤️
I think of Joseph as a 9/10 year old having these big dreams and sharing them without a filter or having the emotional maturity to read the room with his brothers. Remember he was the second you hear and it took a hot minute for Rachel to get pregnant, so if a 10 year old is telling you these things as a 20 something slashing in the fields, I’m sure I’d get annoyed as well!!!
Yes, Laura!
“But God is not a God who is limited by our imaginations or circumstances.”
I really need to hear that today.
From J.A. Meddlers “between the hood and bad, the known and unknown, we need to learn to trust God with the gaps in our lives-“
This, really hit a soft spot in my heart…
Between the gaps, in dark or light,
He walks with us through day and night.
Not all is clear, not all is known,
But we are His, and not alone.
I believe what others may have meant for harm, You can use for good. Lead me to live with faith, purpose, peace and trusting You every step of the way.
I love this! Thank you!
Poetry in emotion!
Thank you, Kimberly!
I love these words. Beautiful, thank you, Kimberly..❤❤❤
“We need to learn to trust God with the gaps in our lives.”
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Oh, how I do need to be content with trusting God to fill in those details of how His promises will come to pass in my life.
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MELANI FRYER – rejoicing in the good news about your husband’s surgery. Prayers for a quick recovery.
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MARTHA HIX – ❤️
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TERESA DONLEY – praying you have a migraine-free day.
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Praying for other requests too
Thank you Kelly (NEO) so much for your prayers. ❤️
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God is with us through it all. We just have to trust, not what is seen but unseen.
Amen! ❤
What a lesson Joseph’s life is to us!
We can’t see our own journey as clearly as we can see Joseph’s life, all laid out for us in the Bible. God has a plan, His perfect plan, and a bit of it unfolds each day. I/we question Why, God?! on things that are unbearably painful, sad, heartbreaking … and yet many/most times I am unappreciative of things that are beautiful, abundant blessings (or less appreciative than I should be). Seems like I should question the good more thoroughly, and not so much the bad, sinner that I am. And continue to trust God in all things, especially in the hard times.
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Southern gospel song from many years ago … God On The Mountain
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V1 Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind
Like you’ve never known
But then things change when you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, child, you are never alone
[Chorus]
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night
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V2
We talk of faith when we’re up on the mountain,
But talk comes so easy
When life’s at its best
But it’s down in the valley of trials and temptations,
That’s when faith is really put to the test.
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MARTHA HIX – praying for the procedure today, for minimal pain, clear margins and smooth recovery
TERESA DONLEY -praying for relief from migraine
MARGARET W – praying for David’s transition and the caregiver issue. So sorry for all that’s going on with her
CEE GEE – just when … our on-time God!!❤️
MELANI FRYER❤️
REBECCA W -praying for your son
RHONDA J – praying for your nephew and thank you for praise report of lady’s bf in prison
TAYLOR ❤️ It’s about God!
“Seems like I should question the good more thoroughly, and not so much the bad..” So true, I totally agree! Meditating on the goodness of God, not the trials of life.
Have a blessed day! ❤️
I was going to quote that! ☺❤
Also meant to say – God On The Mountain – one of my husbands favorite songs!
God on the Mountain is on my playlist and definitely a song I have listened to a lot in the past three years! ❤️
Agreeing with comment and prayers/praises! ❤
Such a great song! I shared it in another Bible study a few years ago but don’t think of it often.
Thank you Searching for your remembering, thoughtfulness, and prayers. I appreciate it all so much. ❤️
Thank you for your prayers Searching.
Seems like I should question the good more thoroughly, and not so much the bad, sinner that I am. And continue to trust God in all things, especially in the hard times.
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Yes. Yes. Yes.
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Often too quick to ignore, pass over the good, but rant for days over the bad. What a waste of energy and miss out on the goodness of God..
He is good, all the time, Amen..
Much love, SEARCHING..❤
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What people mean for evil, God mean for good. No matter what we go through, stay focused on God and He will make your paths straight!
Amen