MEMORISE: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
BIBLE READING: Genesis 50:15-21
15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
MESSAGE:
Today’s Bible reading tells the story of how Joseph forgave his brothers. He had great dreams, but he was sold into slavery by his brothers and was later imprisoned. He had dreamt of being a leader, but at one time, his reality seemed to contradict God’s promises for his life. However, he kept trusting that God was working behind the scenes to turn his trials into testimonies, and he remained faithful to God as a result. Eventually, he moved from a prison to a palace, fulfilling God’s plan for him.
My dear child, do you feel that God’s promises for your life are being delayed? Have you ever wondered why you should continue to trust God despite many disappointments? If this is the case, shake off the doubt and be like Joseph. Stay faithful, live righteously, and serve God diligently. Even in the face of challenges, you’ll realise that God’s plan for your life is unfolding.
Beloved, the situation you are in might not make sense now, but God is crafting something beautiful out of it. Trust Him, hold on to your faith, and refuse to compromise like the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:8-12). In due time, God’s plan for you will bring you joy and fulfilment.
KEY POINT:
God has a great plan for your life. Keep trusting Him and do not compromise your faith.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
LUKE 1:24-56, Deuteronomy 33-34