PRAYER PRACTICE
SPOKEN PRAYER: Out loud, pray for God to speak to you through your reading. Praise God for giving us His word. Ask the Spirit to help you read with faith, and to live out what you hear from God through the passage.
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Betrayed, Impugned, Abandoned? God Is Faithful!
by Pr. Dave Mann
Chapter 41 in Genesis recounts an incredible turn of events in the life of Joseph. Prior to this, Joseph is betrayed by his own brothers, thrown in a pit and sold into slavery.
When he is resold in Egypt, it seems that he has a stroke of luck by being in the service of Potiphar. But then his character is impugned, his boss believes the lies about him, and he is thrown in prison without any possibility of appeal.
For years, he is forgotten by the world. However, he correctly interprets dreams for his fellow inmates, whether the meaning is for good or for ill. He only asks that Pharaoh’s wine taster put in a good word with Pharaoh when he is released.
But no, once the wine taster is released from prison and restored to his former position, he promptly forgets about Joseph, letting him suffer in prison for two more years.
Joseph is betrayed by his family, impugned in the workplace, and abandoned by his friend. Life can be hard. Nevertheless, Joseph continues to trust in the faithfulness of God.
Then, Pharaoh has his own troubling dreams, and he asks if there is anyone who has the ability to interpret dreams. And the wine taster, says, “Oh yes, there’s this Hebrew in prison ….” Joseph is brought out, cleaned up, and presented to Pharaoh. He gives the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, and the king of Egypt is duly impressed. He rewards Joseph with the highest position in the land, save for Pharaoh himself. In just a few days, Joseph’s life is changed from betrayed, impugned, abandoned prisoner to: a signet ring, robes, gold chain, chariot, new name, marriage to a princess, and high respect throughout all of Egypt.
No matter how your life is falling apart, we have a God whose faithfulness is worthy of our trust. His promises are true and certain. God’s character is impeccable. Centuries before it was written, Joseph believed the spirit of Psalm 27:13 -- "I remain confident in this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."
Almighty God, many times I feel like Joseph – betrayed, impugned, and forgotten. Help me to trust in your character as Joseph did those many years. In our hearts, may your promises fully outweigh the injustice and ugliness of the world so that we might give you glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This devotion was so meaningful to me this day. Thank you Pastor Dave, for this encouragement. -- Judy