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Read: Genesis 39:1-23
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 lands in situations that he didn’t ask for, aren’t his fault, and he didn’t create. He becomes a slave in a high-ranking Egyptian official’s household. God is with Joseph and blesses his work in this unwanted space. Joseph doesn’t numb out but stays present and works faithfully. Then, when wrongly accused, Joseph lands in prison. God is still with Joseph and elevates him to leadership. These unwanted spaces refine Joseph and seem to deepen his trust in God. He chooses to stay present and allow God to work in and through him for decades in the hardest, unwanted, unfair situations.

We may find ourselves in painful places we never wanted. It could be a devastating relationship loss that we worked hard to save. We might be caring for an aging and difficult parent day after day. We could be a child’s caregiver for unique needs that wear on our bodies and emotions. We might be in a job where we feel stuck, under-appreciated and underutilized. It’s tempting to check out or numb out. We can trust Jesus’s promise to always be with us (Matthew 28:20). Through the Holy Spirit, we have a Comforter and Helper in whatever we face. During in 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: Is there a difficult situation where you need to not check out but be present and remember God’s presence? In your journal or mobile device, take some time to write out the situation where you struggle to see God’s creative work and remain present. Ask him for wisdom and for reminders that he is with you and at work.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Isaiah 58-60. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider how Jesus put on righteousness and achieved salvation for us.