Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Exodus 1:6-14.
Joseph was a national hero in Egypt, and because of that, Pharaoh and the people of Egypt held the Children of Israel in high regard. They were given some of the best land and were treated well. Then, as they multiplied and as time passed, things changed. A generation came and went, and a new Pharaoh came to power. Intimidated by the number of Israelites and their questionable loyalty, he began to oppress them. The Israelites quickly went from welcome guests in Egypt to being cruelly treated slaves.
Changes happen to all of us, and they can happen suddenly. One day we are happy and carefree, and the next day, we are out of a job or facing a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one. Those of us who have faith may find ourselves in a spiritually dry place, and we must dig deeply and open our hearts to know that God is with us. Perhaps the things we do to grow our faith in the good times — worshiping, studying the Bible, praying, and so on — are in some ways, our preparation for the difficult times that will test and perhaps even strengthen our faith.
Personal Worship Option:
Gracious God, you are my rock, the one on whom I lean. Help me to love you in such a way that when bad things happen to me, I will simply turn to you in hope and trust. Help me to tell others who do not yet know you about how much you mean to me every single day. Amen!
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