With Friends Like This...

Daily Reading: Genesis 37

Scripture Focus: Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. (Genesis 37.36)

Devotional Thought: "With friends like that who needs enemies?" We've all felt that way at one time or another, haven't we? The one we thought we could count on let us down. The one we thought had our back, stabbed it!

Joseph's family was like that to him. First, his father let him down. It's not that Jacob didn't love Joseph; he did! As a matter of fact, we read that "Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors" (v. 3). The trouble wasn't Jacob's love, it was the fact that he spoiled Joseph. Jacob didn't do Joseph any favors by doting on him.

Because of Jacob's spoiling and favoritism, Joseph's brothers "hated him and could not speak peacefully to him" (v. 4). Eventually, they found a way to get even, selling him as a slave! With friends (brothers) like that, who needs enemies?

All of this, however, didn't happen in a vacuum. God was looking on. He was a friend that sticks closer than a brother. God directed the Midianites to sell Joseph to Potiphar. From there, God caused Joseph to rise in opportunity and responsibility. Through subsequent twists and turns, he became known to Pharaoh and was used by God to work a great salvation.

Perhaps you are feeling, "With friends like this, I don't need enemies!" Take heart. Look for God's hand at work. Allow God to use you where you are. He is working salvation for you and through you!

Prayer: Father, thank you that no matter what others may do, you always "have my back." Help me to wait patiently upon the Lord and see your great salvation worked out for me and through me. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 7 "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! 9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. 10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. 11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah 12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!" (Psalms 39:7-13)