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Read: Genesis 39
Listen: Genesis 39

“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.” Genesis 39:2

Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery for silver coins, assuming they’ll never see him again. He lands in Potiphar’s household—a situation he didn’t ask for, wasn’t his fault and didn’t create. But the Lord was with Joseph in his detour. God blesses Joseph’s work even in this unwanted space. Joseph doesn’t check out or numb out. Instead, he stays fully present to the Lord’s presence and work. When wrongly accused and thrown in prison, the Lord is still with him. For thirteen years, from age seventeen to thirty, Joseph’s life seems to be getting burned out. Yet Joseph is present in his detour, fully bringing himself to each situation.

In the waiting, God is working. We might find ourselves in painful places we never wanted—a devastating relationship loss, caring for a difficult aging parent, caregiving for a child with unique needs or feeling stuck in an under-appreciated job. It’s tempting to quit long before we resign, to check out emotionally. We can trust Jesus’s promise to always be with us (Matthew 28:20). Through the Holy Spirit, we have comfort and help in whatever we face. During our trials, God will give us wisdom when we ask and will finish his good and creative work in us to bring strength and perseverance.

TODAY: Are you in a difficult situation that tempts you to check out? Turn your focus to God and his presence with you in your detour by joining Ada Bible Worship as they sing “Be Thou My Vision.” Ask God to help you see him as “thy presence, my light.”