Scriptures: Genesis 37:1-8, Galatians 5:19-26, Colossians 3:12

DAY 1 – INSECURITY & JEALOUSY

Quote of the Day: “God forbid we miss the good in others because we are blinded by our own insecurities.” – NW

It all started because they were insecure. They were jealous of him. Their father had made it no secret, the way he flaunted loving Joseph more than the rest of them. All the special treatment and the gifts, did he have to rub it in their faces?

Over time, what began as jealousy became a seething well of bitterness. Like the poison that it is, this bitterness led their minds to unspeakable things. A plan formed to murder him. Murder! Their own brother! How does it get to this place??

I want to first point out something that can be easily missed.

> Genesis 37:4 says, “They hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

We see clearly in this story that Joseph is a man with a loyal & loving character. He had so many great qualities about him. So how is it that these brothers could see NOTHING good in him?

The truth is, they couldn’t see past their own feelings of insecurity and jealousy. It blinded them. Joseph WAS a good man. Yet, without realizing it, everything he did and everything he was they saw through a tainted lens.

That’s often how it begins for us. Just like these brothers, we don’t realize the initial distortions of truth within our relationships.

It happens every day and the enemy loves to divide us as he plays on the areas we feel insecure. All too quickly we are hurt by a look, something someone did or didn’t say. We assume reasons we aren’t invited or responded to in that text. We judge motives behind an action, yet we know nothing of what’s going on behind the scenes.

This is how our view of others becomes twisted, slowly tearing apart friendships and families.

Can I be honest? This realization has messed me up. Yet all for the better. God revealed to me how easy it was to be blinded and misguided by interpreting what others did, based on how it made me feel.

In this moment, I had to take a good look at the relationships in my life and ask myself some hard questions. Do I see people in an honest and accurate way? Or, like Joseph’s brothers, is “my reality,” the way I view and interpret others…not actually reality?

You see, every horrible, heart-wrenching moment that followed….the painful journey Joseph would have to walk through, began right here. With insecurity and jealousy blinding the truth of reality and leading them down a path that only God could miraculously restore.

Don’t let another second go by living with tainted lenses on your eyes. God forbid we miss the good in others because we are blinded by our own insecurities. Ask more questions, make less assumptions. Do you know what is going on in their life? Maybe what you are taking so personally has nothing at all to do with you….and if you only knew the surrounding circumstance it would change everything. 

So, ask. Give grace, and for goodness sakes let’s clean off those dirty lenses that have been filtering our thoughts with anger, annoyance, envy and doubt. There IS good in them. There is also ALWAYS more to the picture than we see.

One last thing. 

Today, you may simply need to hear this. For anyone who has received the saving grace of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, we are called sons and daughters of the Most High God. So, no matter what family background you grew up in, how unsure and desperate you are for approval from your earthly parents, you NEVER have to be insecure in your Heavenly Father’s love. You are loved. You are chosen. You are seen by Him. That will never change.

For me, it was realizing this is where my security comes from that I finally found freedom.

FAITH – IN – ACTION

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 1 – ACTION STEP:  

Reach out to someone that you have been “unsure” of in your life. Take the time to ask them questions and pray for clarity on how you’ve been seeing them. Then, do something kind for them.

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

•  What insecurities have you been bringing into relationships?
•  Is there anyone you may have misjudged and possibly put barriers up so that interactions are more strained than they need to be?
•  Moving forward, how can you better approach the people in your life and those you have yet to meet, to allow the best shot at healthy relationships?
• After reading the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5-19-26, what “lenses” should we be seeing others through?

Scriptures: Genesis 37:5-28, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:23-30, John 10:10, Hebrews 13:6, Romans 8:31

DAY 2 – DREAMS GONE WRONG

Quote of the Day: “God can use man’s betrayal or life’s trials to work out His amazing will.” – NW

Have you ever had a dream or vision from God? Ever felt called to pursue something specific only to have everything fall apart all around you? You were so sure it was supposed to turn out differently.  

Joseph was given a dream from God about his future. He saw a glimpse into what would be. The thing is, he had no idea the journey he’d have to walk to get there. The heartbreak and loss he would endure before the dream was fulfilled.

We too, get “glimpses” of the possibilities God has for us. Yet I wonder; would we continue on the path He has planned for us if we knew what we were going to face?  

There are so many practical and powerful lessons we can learn from this part of the story. 

As you read through Genesis 37:5-11, I want to share these main thoughts with you.

• Others may not see, understand or support the calling on your life until it actually happens. Joseph’s own father (who favored and loved him) rebuked his dream (Genesis 37:10). David, another great man of the Bible, was dismissed by his family and mocked by his brothers. Yet, God appointed David to be king. They could not see beyond who he was in the moment, to who he could be! The divine purpose God has placed in you may not be validated or recognized by those surrounding you. 

Please hear me and remember this my friend…. It cannot be taken away by them either. You do not need their approval to succeed. If it is from God, it will come to pass.

•  It’s tempting to second guess our dreams when we face obstacles, trials or disappointments….especially when it comes at the hand of betrayal where we least expect it. Joseph’s brothers did the unthinkable. Their deadly hatred caused them to reject him in the cruelest extent. They originally planned to kill him but ended up selling him as a slave to some traveling merchants. Insane right? Joseph had just dreamed that the brothers would be bowing to him and yet, here he was literally being sold into slavery by them (we’ll talk about this more tomorrow).

Whatever you’re facing, we must never forget that we are in a spiritual war. We have an enemy doing everything possible to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY the future God has planned for us. If you are feeling hindered or held back, maybe that’s a sign to fight back! I wonder how many people give up right before the breakthrough? 

I truly believe the greatest miracles are just on the other side of our continued obedience. Even in betrayal and rejection. You’ll see as the story unfolds exactly what would have been at stake if Joseph had given up on his dreams. 

Let me tell you something. David DID become king. Joseph’s brothers DID bow. It wasn’t an easy path for either of them, but they didn’t quit. They didn’t bail. They stayed the course and God came through eventually in His perfect timing. I know it can hurt, I’ve been there and in case no one has said it…..I’m sorry for what you are going through. I’m here to build your faith, to tell you no matter what, I still believe He will do the same for you. 

FAITH – IN – ACTION 

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 2 – ACTION STEP: 

It’s easy to make everything about us isn’t it? Let’s flip the script today. Someone out there is feeling called but not supported. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to do something that will encourage the people in your circle. Who is trying to step out in faith or pursue their dreams? What can you do to help them on their journey?

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

• What is a dream, vision or calling you have been given by God?
• What obstacles or hindrances are you experiencing? 
• If you are honest, do you feel supported by the people in your life? Has that affected your steps moving forward? 
• Have you been tempted to give up on something recently? What could be at stake if you did give up?

Scriptures: Genesis 37:19-22, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 John 3:16-18

DAY 3 – BE THE ONE

Quote of the Day: “One person standing up for what’s right can change the course of history.” – NW

It’s hard to realize while it’s happening, which moments have a greater impact on our future. Often, it’s impossible for us to perceive beyond, into the way our choices are layered upon each other, weaving together a story connected beyond what we imagine.

There are moments that change everything. Decisions we make setting into motion a chain reaction only can God see. The holy tension of His Sovereignty and our free will. Deep right? Ok, let me back up a sec.

In yesterday’s devotional we covered the fact that Joseph’s murderous brothers sold him into slavery. What we didn’t take a deeper look into, is WHY they chose not to kill him.

One brother took a stand. Reuben overheard what the rest of them were planning and decided he couldn’t watch this injustice happen. So, he suggested an alternate plan hoping to go back later and rescue Joseph. 

The amazing thing is….in this one decision, Reuben unknowingly saved his entire family from being wiped out. Wait, what? I know, it’s a crazy story. We don’t see it until later, but if Reuben would have said nothing, done nothing, they would have all condemned themselves to death in this one moment without knowing it. 

(Hint Hint – a little foreshadowing, they will need Joseph later on.)

ONE PERSON STANDING UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT CAN CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY.

There are people who get this. They understand the weight of being “the one”. 

The one who will not look away at an injustice.

The one who will not allow children to be abused.

The one who will speak on behalf of the hurting, poor and marginalized. 

The one who will sacrifice to set others free.

The one who will risk for others to be safe.

The one who will stand up for mistreated.

The one who will lead the way in love.

The one who will give so others can have.

I share in my study several people who understood this and set an example for us to follow. Those heroes like Martin Luther King and Christine Caine.

My brother, Micah McElveen, has an incredible story of personal loss turned into victory. Paralyzed with a broken neck after drowning from diving into the ocean at the age of 15, he has overcome so much. Micah now speaks on behalf of the poor and orphaned, having committed his life to be the voice for those who desperately need the hope of Jesus. Although he didn’t know what the plan would be, how he would accomplish it or who would join him on the journey, he knew was he had to do SOMETHING.

Here we are 15 years later; through the mission organization he began (Vapor Ministries) hundreds of thousands of lives are being saved, fed and discipled because of one decision. One moment changed everything.

Who needs you to be “the one” for them? 

One day we will be able to see it. The reasons why. The entire timeline of humanity and how our intersecting paths laid out. Which lives we impacted and why what we went through mattered. We’ll see in truth whether the hardships we endured were the result of a broken and sinful world…and which was part of an intentional plan for others good. 

For now, until we have a better view, all we can do is TRUST. We can trust in the unchanging character of our God. That He loves our families and the entire world more than we ever could. We can trust that our part in the story matters and God wouldn’t waste anything you’ve poured out to Him. Remember, no matter how bad it seems, He has the power to redeem ANY situation.

When I’m going through something difficult. If I’m lonely or struggling, its often in these times God reveals to me how to meet this same need in others.

FAITH – IN – ACTION 

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 3 – ACTION STEP: Its not about a lack of options. There are so many needs out there. The question is, which one is God asking you to be a part of the solution? Consider starting in your own home, church or city. What decision can you make that might change everything for someone? Where can you be the one?

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

• What is one area in your life you could TRUST God a little more? 
• What injustice, issue or need moves your heart?
• Is there a ministry you feel led to begin or partner with?
• What decision do you need to make to take the next step towards impacting your future or those around you?

Scriptures: Genesis 39, Joshua 24:15, 1 Corinthians 6:18

DAY 4– FROM BAD TO WORSE

Quote of the Day : “Our obedience to God should never be based on our circumstances, feelings or the actions of others.” – NW

I’m going to be honest, today might be a tough one to read. If you are feeling like your prayers haven’t been answered; you’re trying to be strong, but the desire to fight for what you thought you believed is beginning to waver…. this one is for you. When life goes from bad to worse; when we can’t see what God is doing or feel His presence, these are the times that test our faith to the very core. It’s in these dark places a sifting begins making it clear those who are truly committed to God, and those on the fringe.

We see a beautifully convicting picture un-fold.  Joseph continues to give God his best in a horribly unfair situation.  He was literally surrounded by betrayal, rejection, injustice and loss. This once favorite son, handsome, strong and full of dreams for the future had everything stripped away from him. Yet, he remained faithful to God.

 You know what happened next? It got worse. 

He was sold for a second time and now owned by a high ranking official in Egypt, the Captain of the Guard. The captains wife became consumed with desire for Joseph, made it clear she wanted to seduce him, and began planning how to get him in bed. 

Can we be real?  Joseph probably could have used some comfort right now. He could have said, “You know what…. It’s been a long time. I’m tired. I’ve tried it Your way God, and where have You left me? I have been through so much, I deserve a little pleasure instead of pain. Why should I keep honoring You when no one else around me is?”

Instead we see in his response, the purity of his heart and the depth of his commitment. 

In Genesis 39:8-10 Joseph answers back to her advances. “How then could I do such a wicked thing against God.”

 He was COMMITTED to God. His faith wasn’t based on what he felt he deserved. It wasn’t based on what he desired. It wasn’t based on unfair circumstances, feelings, or what others might do to him. 

Man, I wish I could say things started looking up from here. Sadly, the story took an even more devastating turn.  The now rejected “cougar” decided to set him up. She accused him of attempted sexual assault.  Joseph, having kept his honor was wrongly thrown into prison anyways. FOR. REAL. Go read it.

I am so challenged by his continued choice to HONOR! What would we do? When life goes from bad to worse, will we still bring Him glory? Will we stay the course? When others fail us, will we continue on?

How did Joseph not loose his faith? He lived with such deep integrity – through it all – because he CLAIMED and LIVED these truths. So can we.

• THE LORD IS IN THIS PLACE. WITH YOU. Even when you don’t feel Him.  In the prison, in the betrayal, in the rejection. God was WITH him.
• THE LORD IS WORKING FOR YOU. Even when you can’t see His plan.  It seemed God was silent, uncaring, distant. He was aligning together a master plan of redemption no one would see coming.
• THE LORD IS WORTHY OF OUR ALL. Even in our pain.  God was still good. Even when people were not. 
• HE LOVES YOU. HE IS FOR YOU. HE HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU. Just because it’s taking a long time, doesn’t mean God isn’t listening to your prayers and setting a plan in motion to answer them. He cares. He sees. 
• When life is less than you hoped it would be. When your faith is shaken. When others hurt or abandon you. When you can’t see the way. When you want to give into the easier path of temptation all around you. When you feel lost and alone and like it will never get better. HOLD ON TO HOPE. We have this promise to stand on. God is with us, He is for us and will never leave us. He is enough for whatever we are facing. Sometimes we just have to release our fears, expectations and hurts to the One who knows better. The One who sees beyond it all. The same God of the Bible is alive and moving today. I know personally how it feels to question if He will come through for me. It’s ok. His grace is enough for our doubts. He came through for Joseph, as you’ll see…& HE WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU. 

FAITH – IN – ACTION

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 4- ACTION STEP: Make a choice today. Don’t sit on the fence of uncertainty anymore. Who is God in your life? Are you committed? Write out a declaration of what you are choosing about your faith in God. Tuck it away until those secret prayers are answered Gods way, in His timing.

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

• Has there been a time that things went from bad to worse?
• Is there something you have prayed about for a long time that still hasn’t been answered?
• If you are honest, are you struggling to believe God will come through in a specific area of your life?
• What times in the past can you reflect on where God showed up miraculously for you?

Scriptures: Genesis 45, Matthew 18:15-35, Romans 10:9, Colossians 3:19

DAY 5 – FORGIVE OR GET EVEN

Quote of the Day: “God’s plan is always about rescuing others.” – NW

Studying the life of Joseph has honestly wrecked me. These real-life lessons from his journey have better prepared me to walk in faithfulness through difficult seasons. I don’t want you to miss any part of this incredible story, so I’m challenging you to go back and really study Genesis chapters 39-45. You won’t believe what happens.

To catch us up to speed I’ll cast a brief overview. Because he was owned as a slave by a high ranking official of Pharaoh, Joseph was thrown in the “Kings” prison after being accused of sexual assault. This isn’t by accident. In fact, where it looks like things have gone horribly wrong; it’s actually an important piece of the plan God is putting together.

Days turned into months, months into years and it seemed as if he would be stuck in this unfair prison forever. A few key lessons stand out to me during his time of waiting.

• He flourished in the prison. Your life circumstances can be a mess and still you have the opportunity to thrive. God’s favor going before us and his blessing on us is all we need.
• He continued to work hard and distinguish himself. In his most broken place, after losing everything he still kept his testimony. Others are watching what we go through and how we respond. What do they see?
• In an instant everything changed. From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs. Nearly 17 years dragged on; full of trouble and pain, and then all of a sudden a miracle happens. No situation is beyond hope. No life too far gone. Timing is everything. There is a greater plan at work we can’t see in the midst of our pain.

GOD’S PLAN IS ALWAYS ABOUT RESCUING OTHERS

Take a step back with me for a moment so we can see this story from a new perspective. Even from the beginning of Joseph’s journey, God saw what was coming. He knew that in 24’ish years a worldwide famine would hit. He was not just looking at the pain of what one man would have to walk through, but what the outcome of his path would produce. Sound similar? Remember Jesus’s story? One man suffering so the world could be saved.

At just the right moment, through strategic long-term positioning, God lifted Joseph up and set him exactly in the right place, at exactly the right time to rescue millions from starvation. This included having the chance to save his family. The very ones who betrayed him. The ones who hated him and were going to kill him…if it wasn’t for Reuben stepping in (I told you they would need him later).

Then, like a scene from a movie; the greatest plot twist ever. Joseph was given the position of second-in-command over all of Egypt. All of a sudden, he had the power. He had money; he had authority. And what do you know; the brothers needed his help. Funny-not-funny thing is, they didn’t recognize Joseph when they came before “pharaoh’s second-in-command” to ask for food they desperately needed to keep their families alive.

They had ruined his life.

They were cruel, hateful and unjust.

Years and years wasted because of them. They deserve payback. Every sleepless night in that dark prison was their fault. They took everything from him.

Yet, here they were, bowing before him, begging him for help.

Revenge is ‘oh, so sweet’ they say.

False. Bitterness and revenge are a poison you drink, expecting it to hurt the other person; only it kills you inside instead.

When you have the choice to forgive or get even, what would you do?

Joseph’s response made me weep. Literally, I will never forget the moment God convicted me with this humbling picture of what forgiveness should look like.

I was in my office preparing the message and I broke down crying all over my notes.

Genesis 45:3-8, “Joseph said this to his brothers. ‘I am Joseph, is my father still living?’ But his brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so he said, “I am your brother Joseph the one you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

“For two years now there has been famine in the land and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping but God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

So then it was not you who sent me here but God. 

vs 11, “I will provide for you there because five years of famine are still to come otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.”

vs 14, “Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept and embraced him weeping and he kissed all his brothers and wept over them.”

“Our lives are not just meant for us, but for the redemption of others.” – NW

FAITH – IN – ACTION

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 5 – ACTION STEP: Who has hurt you that you are not willing to forgive? Take the step today, reach out to them and release them from the wrongs they did to you. If it’s not appropriate to reach out, or if they are passed on, release them in your heart. Let it go. Don’t be held captive by bitterness or unforgiveness anymore.

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

• Is there a hurt in your past you are holding onto with bitterness?
• Has there been a time when you walked through something painful that God used for good?
• When was a time you messed up and needed forgiveness from someone else?
• Has there been a time in your life you have asked Jesus to save and forgive you?