“Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels[a] of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt,” Genesis 37:28 ES. Joseph was favored by his father but hated by his jealous brothers; they resented his blessings and especially despised the dreams God had given him. It still happens. But Joseph showed us a more excellent way when he later forgave those who had tried to destroy him and actually saved their lives. It is painful to be unjustly vilified, but the pit where we are thrown can become a place of purification and discovery. Sometimes the pit is the most important stop along the journey to fulfilling the dream. Heavenly Father, I will not permit today’s disappointments to kill the dreams You give. Because of Your great love, and tender mercies I am headed from the pit to the palace.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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