Welcome to today’s daily devotional on “Joseph: Overcoming Adversity through Faith.” As we delve into the story of Joseph, we will explore how he was able to overcome adversity through faith, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives.
Let’s begin our journey of exploring how Joseph’s story can inspire and encourage us to trust in God, no matter what challenges we face now.
» Sunday, 29th January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | Joseph: Overcoming Adversity through Faith
Yesterday’s daily devotional theme was “stepping up: standing in the gap for others“ and today’s is “Joseph: overcoming adversity through faith”.
Anchor verse of the day to overcoming adversity through faith:
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
Genesis 50:20
Our anchor verse of Genesis 50:30 highlights the overarching theme of how God can use even the most difficult and painful experiences in our lives for good. The faith Joseph has in God and his belief that God had a plan for his life also shine through.
Joseph’s willingness to forgive and see the bigger picture in his life, however, is a great lesson for us all. I do not think I would be able to react in the way Joseph did. He was a great man by all standards.
Themes in Genesis 50:20
- Forgiveness: Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery and recognized that God used their actions for good.
- Sovereignty: Joseph acknowledged that God was in control of his life and despite his mishaps, rose to power in Egypt.
- Trust in God: Joseph trusted in God’s plan and purpose for his life, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
- Redemption: Joseph’s story is one of redemption, from being a slave and prisoner he did not commit, to a powerful leader who saved his family and Egypt from famine.
- Faithfulness: Joseph remained faithful to God throughout his trials and tribulations, and God ultimately blessed him for it.
- Purpose: Joseph understood that all the events in his life were part of God’s plan to use him for a specific purpose, to save his family and many others from starvation.
Background to Genesis 50:20
The background is about Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers, because of a dream he had. The brothers thought they were killing his dream, rather they were elevating him to see the manifestation of his dream. He eventually rose to power in Egypt, where he was able to save his family during a famine.
Genesis 50:20 is a key verse in the story of Joseph because it shows how he forgave his brothers, despite their maltreatment, and how God used his difficult circumstances for their good.
Note: Joseph divinely believed in the fulfilment of the dream he had, and he worked towards it. Despite all the opposition, he was focused.
Similar verses:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
This verse highlights the idea that even in difficult and trying circumstances, God is still at work. This serves as a reminder that through faith and trust in God, we too can find hope and purpose in the midst of our own struggles, and trust that God is working for our good.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
James 1:2-4 reminds us that the testing of our faith through trials can lead to perseverance and maturity in our faith. Just as Joseph’s faith was strengthened through his adversity, so too can our faith be strengthened through the difficult times in our own lives.
Reflection:
One of the key takeaways from the story of Joseph is his ability to overcome adversity through his faith in God. Despite being betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph was able to maintain his trust in God’s plan for his life. He knew that even in the darkest of times, God was still in control and working for his good.
As a Christian, it can be so easy to become discouraged when faced with difficult situations. However, the example of Joseph reminds us that through faith, we too can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
We must not forget that God is always present and working on our behalf, even when things seem hopeless.
In reflection, we can learn from Joseph’s story that when we face adversity, we must put our faith in God and trust that He is working for our good. We do not have to take revenge, for vengeance is of the Lord.
Beloved, do not give in too early.
You should not let difficult situations discourage you, but rather, consider them as an opportunity for growth and maturity in your faith in God. You have to be always grateful for the tough times, and remember that God is always working behind the scenes for your good. What about if the difficult times you are passing through are your training moments?
Prayer for overcoming adversity through faith:
Our Father,
As we reflect on the story of Joseph, we come to you in humility, reminded of the power of faith, in overcoming every adversity. Just as Joseph trusted in You and Your plan for his life, even in the midst of those difficult circumstances, we pray that we too would have the courage and strength to trust in You and Your plan for our lives, on a daily basis.
It is our prayer that You help us to see that the trials and challenges we face are not meant to defeat us, but to refine us and make us stronger, and more like You. Give us the grace to persevere through the hard times, and to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness, even when we cannot see the end.
When we walk through the wilderness, Father, be with us and steer us to an oasis for us to drink divine water, specially prepared by You.
May we also have the same confidence, focus, boldness, vision, and faith of Joseph, to stand firm in our belief in You, and trust in You, even in the face of severe opposition.
We pray that as we check the life of Joseph, we would be encouraged and strengthened in our own Christian growth and faith and that we would learn to rely on Your grace and strength to overcome any adversity that comes our way.
Father seal this prayer with the Blood of Jesus Christ.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
