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READ:  Genesis 40:1-8
LISTEN: Genesis 40

So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?” Genesis 40:7

 Joseph sits in prison for years. This isn’t even the worst thing that happened to him. His brothers sold him into slavery. Then he was wrongfully accused of attempted rape and imprisoned. It would be easy for Joseph to sulk and become self-focused. But the text says Joseph notices that his fellow inmates are sad. Joseph doesn’t sit around and wait for his situation to be resolved before he cares for the people around him. He steps into their pain while he’s still in prison. He helps them with something they are going through, using the gifts and wisdom God gives him.

Like Joseph, God gives us opportunities to minister to others during our pain. In the midst of our hurting, God equips us to be an instrument of care and hope to others. Sometimes, we can think our pain means we can’t be used by God. But that’s not the case at all. Joseph didn’t let his situation stop him from caring for those around him. He saw their need and moved toward it. We can go and do likewise with God’s help.

TODAY: Ask God to open your heart to caring for those around you. Even if you are in a difficult season, God still has ways he wants to use you. Ask God to help you see the needs around you and to give you the wisdom to know how to respond appropriately.