Editor’s note: Join us for the God Won’t Leave You There Online Bible Study starting July 13th! Sign up today!
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As Joseph entered Egypt, he must have felt his spirit collapse because all hope seemed to be gone. He had been rudely and violently severed from all that he knew and loved—his family, his home, his safety, his basic needs, his friendships, his future—apparently forever. In his spirit, he must have heard the door of all he had known slamming shut.
Joseph faced a critical, life-defining choice. Would he walk away from the God he had known in his father’s household? Or would he trust and be faithful to God despite his very painful, brutal, and unjust circumstances?
Faithfulness is not a passive word.
It requires action. For instance, we can say that we will be faithful to exercise but then sit on the couch every day. Being faithful to love, serve, and honor God when you are in physical, emotional, or mental pain is the kind of faith in action that makes people take notice. Joseph’s life clearly shows he chose to be faithful to the God of his fathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—regardless of circumstances. And God was faithful to Joseph in every moment and in every situation.
Where does God have you right now? Is it the last place you thought you’d be? If you’ve been living in bitterness and anger because your life has turned upside down, your circumstances are unbearable, or your position is humiliating and lowly, it’s not too late to change course! You can start doing all your work to the best of your ability as unto the Lord.
- With God’s help, like Joseph, you can prosper right where you are.
Lord, open my eyes to see that Your purpose for my life is not to make me prosperous, healthy, wealthy, or free of suffering. Your purpose is for me to bring You honor and glory in whatever situation I find myself. I submit to Your will for my life now with a heart filled to overflowing with praise and gratitude for Your choice to surrender Your life for me and for Your comforting, strengthening presence as I walk through the valley of suffering.
Excerpted with permission from the YouVersion devotional series featuring God Won’t Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.
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Your Turn
No matter what season you’re in, choose to be faithful. God will be faithful to you! Trust Him. And, remember to join us for the God Won’t Leave You There Online Bible Study starting July 13th! Register today! ~ Devotionals Daily