Today’s scripture: Genesis 39 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
When I read Genesis 39 and the experiences Joseph encountered in Egypt, God’s grace come to mind. In this passage, several times Joseph was described as someone who had “the Lord with him.” (verses 2, 21 and 23). He was put in charge of Potiphar’s home because his master found favor with him. Potiphar’s wife was interested in him but he refused her so many times she became upset and accused him of trying to sleep with her then tore off his coat which she showed to other’s to prove he had been with her.
When Joseph was sent away to prison, God was able to be “with him” and grace was shown through a warden who allowed him to oversee other prisoners.
Often we cannot see God’s grace in our lives until after the fact, but God certainly demonstrates moments like the ones he bestowed on Joseph. Joseph used those events to further his relationship with God and improve the lives of others.
Luther Barnes wrote and the song, God’s Grace which explains how many of us look back on troubled times and realize it was God who helped us make it through. This helps us appreciate the tough times. An excerpt of those lyrics is included here as I hear and sing this song regularly when I realize it is God’s grace which puts me where I am.
- God’s Grace by Luther Barnes
- How did I make it all these years?
- How did I make it this far?
- Through the valleys and over the hills, I know it had to be God.
- How did I make it through the storm?
- How did I make it through the rain?
- If you want to know, just how I got here, it’s so easy to explain.
- It was God’s grace, God’s amazing grace. (God’s grace)
- I made it this far. (I made it this far) (By the grace of God.)…
- I remember the times when I strayed away,
- Even though I knew the word, Still I wouldn’t obey,
- But God’s mercy and his grace stayed with me and brought me,
- Brought me all the way…
When I sit down and look back through the years, I shed so many tears. But I made it. I made it this far by the Grace of God! And I thank you, thank you Jesus, Lord I thank you. I made it (I made it this far) I made it By the grace of God.
Prayer for the day: Today find a way to pray to God, sing to God or use any method to demonstrate appreciation for the grace of God. Celebrate with gratitude as Joseph did in order to continue to allow God’s grace to be with you and others around you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.