|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for being a God of vindication and restoration. You said, “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” (Ps 135:14), and “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Pet 5:10). I worship you today for your goodness. You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). Today in Your Word Today you told me about the lowest point in Joseph’s life. After almost a decade of hard work and loyal service to Potiphar, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. This means that I can be in the center of your will, doing your work, and still be treated unjustly and unfairly by the people I’m serving. To add insult to injury, when Joseph showed kindness to the baker and cupbearer, the cupbearer “did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” (Gen 40:23). Yet Joseph maintained a good attitude and a submissive spirit, and because of that you blessed him and made him prosper. After two years in prison, with no end in sight, you sovereignly acted to elevate Joseph to second in power under Pharaoh (from slave to vizier in 13 years). You truly are with those who wait patiently on you! During the seven years of plenty, Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim: ‘God has made me forget’ and ‘God has made me fruitful.’ What a beautiful testament to your power to restore and refresh! Reflection Joseph is a challenging example of a man who was lied about and yet refused to give in to bitterness and resentment. How do I react when close friends betray me and people gossip about me behind my back? Request Father, help me remember that if I suffer for righteousness’ sake, I will be blessed. Give me the grace I need to avoid being “overcome by evil” and to “overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21). Thanksgiving Thank you for the encouraging example of a man who lived by faith. Joseph’s life of patience and submission demonstrates that I can pass through the fire and come out refined and victorious (1 Pet 1:7). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “O for a Faith That Will Not Shrink” by William H. Bathurst. Meditation Verse: Genesis 39:23. |