|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Come Let Us All Unite And Sing"1 (Lyrics) |
Joseph was his father's favoured child. I've never been the favoured son, but I have been the spoiled grandchild. I know what it feels like to bask in the favour of a grandparent and be given special attention. These exclusive favours are nice until it makes you the brunt of the ire of your sibling and your cousin. Then things change, as they did for Joseph. His father made him a special long robe with sleeves and colours. His brothers noticed and hated him because he was his father's favourite. Joseph's dreams of one day ruling over them didn't help. So they sold him. During the next thirteen years, he would be enslaved, exalted to favour, accused of rape, imprisoned, and betrayed by two fellow prisoners who had promised to help him. Finally, his chance for deliverance came when he had the opportunity to interpret two of the king's dreams. Seven years of plenty were on the horizon, but they would be hounded by seven years of famine.
Joseph, cleaned up and shaven, stood before the most powerful man in the land and said:
Genesis 41:35-36 – Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh's storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities. That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land. (NLT)
When I was young, I viewed trials as things faced by older adults. Little did I realize that I was facing them too — my parents were simply shielding me from the trials' associated pain. But the day soon came when they no longer did … or could. Then, I quickly discovered how often trials come and how essential it was to prepare ahead of time.
The best way to brace myself for life's trials is to accept the fact that they'll come. Satan often sends them — as he did into Joseph's life — hoping that he'll destroy my faith in the process, but God can transform into good what he intends for evil. The years of plenty when I'm trial-free provide me with the opportunity to prepare myself spiritually for the years of famine when I'm trial-overrun.
Don't wonder if trials will come; know that they will. Let God prepare you to face them.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord God, for Your sustaining grace when we're confronted with life's trials. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Friday, April 19, 2024 – In Middle East — Thank you for praying for our Bible Study. We are having great times of fellowship and growing in His Word. Pray for God to make disciples who will be sensitive to His leading to share with others who will also trust in Him and share Him.
Prayers for Tom: "April 18, 2024: Update on Prayers for Tom posted on Sunday, August 6, 2023: Tom is still undergoing..." 
Great advice Martin. It’s always better to be prepared.
Blessings.
Good lesson Martin,
I certainly can say ‘Amen’ to this one.
God continue to bless you and your ministry.
Hello Martin Wiles,
I just read your presbycan daily devotional titled Preparing for Life’s Trials.
Well written, well thoughout and thanks for the reminder that we will have trials, it is just a matter of when, and that we Can overcome them with God’s help.
(Ont. Canada)
Hi Martin,
Appreciate your devotional about Joseph this morning. I did a Bible Discussion at the local long term facility last year and we went through the whole story of Joseph. And one thing became abundently clear — Joseph in all his trial and tribulations never abandoned his God. And he was not afraid to tell others, the Egyptians about it, we found that so amazing.
Thank you for this devotional.