Joseph in the Pit

Bible Reading:  Genesis 37: 17-38

Memory Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans…to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Once, my cousin was in a bad accident. I asked, “God why would you let this happen?”  I was scared. Had God made a mistake? Was he paying attention? 

Joseph was obedient and diligent to God. He was the favorite son of his dad, Jacob.  His dad gave him a special colorful coat to prove it.   This made his older brothers jealous. He had a dream that his family all bowed to Him. He told his family the dream. Probably a bad idea. 

One day the brothers saw Joseph coming from a distance. Tired of his special favor and dreams, they threw Joseph into a pit.  They sold him as a slave.

Its normal for brothers to fight, but it’s pretty vicious to sell your brother as a slave to foreigners.  They sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver and watched him get hauled away. His brothers expected Joseph to die as a slave.

But Joseph didn’t give up on God. I’m sure he asked some of those questions that I asked. “God  why would you let this happen to me?” Or “Why would you DO this to me?”

Joseph stayed faithful.  He listened to God and trusted him. God had a plan, even when things seemed terrible.

Sometimes our problems are so big, we forget that God is bigger. We don’t see the last chapter. Our Big God is still in control. Joseph teaches us to keep our eyes on God.

What about you?

Have you ever asked God “Why me?” when something bad happened?

If the sun is out, (or moon?) put your hand right in front of your face to block the light. Which is bigger, your hand or the sun?

Prayer: 

Father God, please help me to remember that you’re bigger than any problem I face.  Help me to be faithful to you, no matter what.  In Jesus name, Amen.