🌿 Devotional: It Ain't In Vain

I’m reminded of the story of Joseph and how he had a much less than glamorous life.  Before Joseph made it to the palace, he had to go through some things, like slavery and prison.  In Genesis 37, we find an account of Joseph’s life.  We find that Joseph was a dreamer and he shared his dreams with his family.  He told his brothers how in one dream the sun, the moon, and stars bowed low before him.  His brothers interpreted the dream and realized that the stars represented them.  They hated the idea they could possibly one day bow to him so they came up with a plot to kill him. This is where Joseph’s life got flipped upside down.

Joseph went through some years of turmoil, jealousy, and being forgotten. But God was with him through it all.  God blessed everything that Joseph did. In Potiphar’s house, Joseph was in charge of everything.  In the prison, Joseph was running things. When Joseph finally made it out of prison, he was put in charge of ALL of Egypt! The Bible says that GOD caused everything that Joseph did to succeed! Joseph’s story is truly inspiring.  Go read it when you have time in Genesis chapters 37, 39-50. 

Be Encouraged!

Psalm 105:19 says, “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” So, when we get tired of going through situations and trials, remember Joseph’s story. You, too, are in training. Your childhood, your upbringing, and your troubles are not in vain.  They are prepping you for where God has destined for you to go. Hang in there. Tell yourself, “It ain’t in vain! I’m just in training.” You are going somewhere great and if you want to stay there, you gotta be trained!

🙏 Prayer

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for training me for where you are sending me. Thank you for making sure that my character can keep me wherever you send me. Help me to remember in hard times that these times are necessary for my future. Even though I may not understand why I am dealing with them in the moment, I trust that all things will work out for my good, just as you promised. Thank you for being the God that keeps promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.