Change Creates Crisis
Joseph’s Crisis

Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:12-28

Key Verses: Genesis 37:23-24

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe–the richly ornamented robe he was wearing — and they took him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it.

Joseph was seventeen years old and working as a shepherd with his father’s flocks. This young man was born last, to an elderly father, thus he was the favorite. He received gifts that the other sons never received, one of which was a beautiful coat of many colors. His older brothers were jealous and why not: Joseph lived a “charmed” life. That all came to an end when the brothers finally got a chance to get even and they seized the opportunity. Change came to Joseph swiftly and cruelly. He was sold into slavery. If you have time, read the suggested additional reading section for more details!

Have your relatives ever caused a crisis in your life? If not, you are in the minority. Our children, brothers, sisters, and parents can initiate a lot of change in our lives, which translates into crisis. Is God in all that? Was God in the evil treatment of Joseph? I don’t believe so, but God knew it was coming and worked a marvelous plan around it! Yes, God is very aware of your issues; He saw them coming long before you did! Like Joseph, God has a plan built around you. When I say “you,” that means all your issues, good and bad. Those circumstances that happen that we call changes are already figured into the plan. God does such a great job at this that it makes us wonder if He caused the bad things to happen, but He didn’t. Whatever change has come upon you and whomever caused that to happen, nothing trips God up. He is ready with His plan!

Father, you are too wonderful for me to take in, Your ways are past finding out! I will simply praise you and relax in you as my days unfold. You are good all the time! In Jesus’ Name, amen.