Day 10 - Joseph: All In When God’s Plan Is Painful

Devotional Scripture Reading

Primary Passage: Genesis 50:15-21

Supporting Scriptures (as cited in devotional): Genesis 39:9, Proverbs 4:23, Luke 16:10, Genesis 50:20

KJV (Full Text):

15 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Summary: Genesis 50:15-21 — Joseph forgave his brothers, seeing God’s purpose to bring good and preserve lives.

Joseph’s life proves that favor does not cancel hardship. His brothers betrayed him, sold him into slavery, falsely accused him, and forgot him in prison (Genesis 37–40). Yet Scripture repeatedly reveals God’s presence with him. The Hebrew phrase Yahweh ’immō (יְהוָה עִמּוֹ) means the Lord was actively present with him. Being All In means you keep trusting God’s presence even when your life feels misunderstood.

First, Joseph shows us integrity when no one is clapping. In Potiphar’s house, he served with excellence, and when temptation came, he chose purity (Genesis 39:9). This teaches that holiness is not situational. It is a covenant. Joseph lived like Proverbs 4:23, guarding his heart, because his life belonged to God.

Second, Joseph shows us faithfulness in stewardship. Even in prison, he served, interpreted dreams, and used his gifts without bitterness (Genesis 40). Many people shut down when life hurts. Joseph stayed available. That is the difference between being broken and being built. God can promote those who remain faithful in hidden places (Luke 16:10).

Third, Joseph shows us forgiveness that preserves family and advances purpose. When he reunited with his brothers, he chose mercy and restoration, saying, “God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20). This is discipleship at the deepest level. Forgiveness breaks cycles. It heals bloodlines. It keeps the family of faith from carrying generational resentment.

Joseph reminds us that All In believers do not let pain rewrite their character. They let God refine them through it. During this fast, ask God for strength to stay pure, stay faithful, and remain forgiving. God will use your endurance to bless others.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Joseph’s example of integrity and endurance. Help me trust You when my life feels delayed or painful. Keep my heart pure and my spirit steady through every trial. Lord, teach me to steward my gifts faithfully in every season and to forgive as You have forgiven me. Use my life to bless others and fulfill Your purpose. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. What painful situation is testing my character, and how will I stay faithful in it?

2. Where do I need God’s help to forgive and release bitterness today?