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Psalm 105:12-22
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

Whatever you are going through, you can be sure of this: God is not wasting your time. You may feel overlooked, sidelined, and alone, but God has not forgotten you. He is using your present pain to prepare you for His plan. Today’s passage is a reminder of this truth.

When the nation of Israel was no more than a family clan, a severe famine threatened their survival. However, prior to the famine, God had so orchestrated events that one member of their family, Joseph, had been sold as a slave in Egypt. Then through a series of God-ordained circumstances he was put in charge of Egypt’s food supply. Joseph’s family moved there and grew to be a strong nation. (The story of Joseph is in Genesis 37-50).

It is encouraging to read the entire account of Joseph’s life and see how God put all the pieces together. But granted, going through the long days can challenge our faith. Let’s pray that God will encourage you each day to trust Him and be strengthened by Him.

Father, I know You work all things out for good, but the pain of today makes me doubt that truth. I am tired and disheartened. I cannot imagine how today’s pain will prepare me for tomorrow. But…I know You love me and I trust You even through my doubt and discouragement. Help me to trust when I cannot understand. Help me to trust even when I cannot see an end to the pain. You sent Your Son to die for my sins. I know You will give me everything I need for today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.