God Working In Us In Our Messiest Moments
Today’s Verse:
Genesis 37:4 ESV
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
At first glance, this verse may seem like a harsh way to begin the day. It speaks of jealousy, hatred, and broken relationships—Joseph’s brothers were consumed by bitterness because of their father’s favoritism. Yet, even in this tension, we see the beginnings of God’s redemptive work.
This story reminds us of the brokenness in our own lives. Like Joseph’s brothers, we may struggle with envy or resentment. We may feel the sting of favoritism or rejection. But Lent is a season to remember that God enters our brokenness to bring healing and restoration.
Joseph’s story doesn’t end with hatred or betrayal. God uses the very pain Joseph endured—being sold into slavery by his brothers—to accomplish His greater purpose. Through Joseph, God saves many lives during a famine, including the very brothers who wronged him. What an incredible picture of forgiveness and grace!
In the same way, God works through our struggles and sins to bring about His good purposes. During Lent, we reflect on Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of all sin on the cross. Just as God redeemed Joseph’s suffering for good, He redeems our lives through Jesus’ sacrifice.
As you begin your day, consider where jealousy or resentment may have taken root in your heart. Is there someone you need to forgive? Or perhaps you need to ask for forgiveness from someone else? Lent is a perfect time to seek reconciliation and let go of bitterness.
Remember that God is always at work, even in life’s messiest moments. Trust Him to transform your pain into something beautiful, just as He did for Joseph.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Father, Thank You for Your redemptive power that turns even our brokenness into something beautiful. Forgive us when we allow jealousy or resentment to take hold in our hearts. Help us to forgive others as You have forgiven us through Jesus Christ. During this Lenten season, teach us to trust in Your plans and rest in Your grace. May we start this day filled with joy and hope, knowing that You are always working for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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