This week’s feature verse comes from day 4, and is found in Genesis 50:20. This most likely sounds familiar and should since Joseph said something very similar in chapter 45 verse 5.
But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. Genesis 45:5 NLT
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 NLT
Notice, while Joseph still credits God with the power and purpose, his words are a little more specific this time concerning the brother’s actions. Earlier he states that the brothers sold him (45:5), yet here he says that they meant it for evil. I believe he restates their true role in order to make the pointed contrast that God meant it all for good (50:20). He clearly makes the point that God is in complete control. The commentary by Bibleref.com explains it like this – “Joseph insists that God’s power and God’s plan for His people are more powerful than the ability of mere human beings to do evil to each other. He is convinced that not only was God ultimately responsible for allowing the evil act to happen, but He also mysteriously built it into a larger plan to save His people—and many others—from the ravages of a deadly drought.“1
1Bibleref.com @ What does Genesis 50:20 mean?
CHALLENGE
Jacob displayed great faith in God’s promises even though he ddi not see them fully realized in his lifetime. This week, take time to find a few verses about God’s promises for His people. Write them on a notecard and place them around your home to remind you of God’s faithfulness and promise-keeping character.
Extended Challenge: Share at least one of the verses you find in the comments or with someone you know.
We first heard about Joseph when God “enabled Rachel to become pregnant” and give birth to a son in chapter thirty. However, we didn’t really become acquainted with him until he was seventeen years old and dreaming dreams that seemed to imply that one day he would be in authority over his family and they would be bowing down to him. In our journey this week we have seen the reality of this dream not once but twice. We have seen the beauty of God’s sovereign control positioning Joseph just where he needed to be. We have witnessed Joseph’s raw emotions, we’ve watched battles with forgiveness, anger, sorrow, and fears, and we have seen bold steps of faith and surrender. Through it all we have seen God work in ways unimaginable to man as He positioned not just Joseph but his family and eventually the “nation of Israel” exactly where they were meant to be. Oh how I hope that you are enjoying this journey and the history of God’s people and our faith. I pray that you are finding hope for your battles – in seeing that God is in control, working everything completely and perfectly together for His people and purpose.
*I invite you to message me if you do not know know Jesus as your Savior, or if you have questions concerning faith
PREVIEW: Week-6
During our final week we will continue to explore the reasons, ways, and benefits of Choosing God Instead Of The World . We will travel the rest of the way through Genesis forty-six and complete the journey in chapter fifty with a few detours through other Old and New Testament passages. May He open our hearts and minds to see Him all along the way.
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2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called.
“Here I am,” Jacob replied.
3 “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. 4 I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.” NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA: Jacob Goes to Egypt
God had endeared Joseph to those he had served, as well as those he served with through the years as the second in command to Pharaoh. So, when word reached Pharaoh and his servants that Joseph’s brothers had arrived they were pleased. Pharaoh made great gestures of caring for Joseph’s family and making them at home in Egypt. The brothers left shortly after they had learned of Joseph’s identity and began the journey to bring Jacob to be reunited and live with Joseph, where they would be spared from the remaining years of famine – and where we will see that God continues to carry out His plan to make Jacob into a great nation.
Our Focus Passage: Verses 2-4
Needless to say Jacob was shocked to learn that Joseph was still alive but Scripture says that “he was revived in spirit.” Jacob soon began his journey to see his beloved son. Along the way, God calls to Jacob and when Jacob answers, “Here I am”, God responds with confirmation that he is not to be afraid to go down to Egypt for it is all part of His plan and the place where God would make him into a great nation, as He had promised. He assured Jacob that He would go with him to Egypt and one day bring him back from there.
Other Notable Observations:
They settled in the “land of Goshen”. Including the two sons born to Joseph there were 70 members in the household of Jacob in Egypt.
Joseph and Jacob reunited with much weeping.
Jacob was content to die now that he had seen Joseph’s face again.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
When God calls, our answer should be, as Jacob’s was, “Here I am“. We don’t have to be afraid when He calls us to do something, even if it seems too. hard or unpleasant or takes us aways from all that we have known, because we know that God has equipped us for whatever He calls us to do (2 Peter 1:3-4), is working the details out according to His perfect will and timing, and will be with us wherever we go. It is crucial that we believe these truths, for the “Hear I am” answer depends on it. As is evident in the Scriptures, and what we have likely seen in our own lives or the lives of others – what God has started He will finish, we must believe this and act accordingly.
PRAYER: RESPOSE TO GOD’S WORD.
Father, how good it is to see Your works! How pleasing it is to watch Your plans unfold and to be reminded that we don’t have to be afraid to follow where You lead us or to end up in an unwanted position because of someone else’s actions or our bad choices – For You are in complete and perfect control. May we live and walk by this TRUTH — Trusting, obeying, following, and unafraid because You are with us and Your presence is our peace. All of this because of and in Jesus’ name I pray – Amen –
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
What promises of God can you cling to today?
Can you be confident that He will keep His promises? Why or why not?
But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph Reveals His Identity
After Judah’s plea and offer to exchange his life for Benjamin’s and his father’s, Joseph could no longer keep the secret of his identity hidden. When he had made sure that they were alone – he announced, “I am Joseph! Is my brother still alive?” The brothers were confused and gave no answer, so he said again, “I am Joseph your brother,” this time adding – “whom you sold into Egypt.” While Joseph clearly acknowledges the brothers’ part in the way his life turned out he gives God all the credit. I doubt that this was an effort of Joseph to whitewash the brothers’ betrayal, but to let them know that that God was in perfect control and had blessed Joseph despite their evil act. It was God who positioned him to rule over Egypt and God who positioned him to provide life for them, He explains to them how God had used their act of selling him to preserve their lives by making him advisor to Pharaoh, lord over all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Other Notable Observations:
Joseph immediately puts the brothers at ease rather than throwing blame and making them feel bad. (5)
He explains how the famine will play out and assures them that it was God who sent him ahead of them in order to save their lives (7)
Joseph sends the brothers back to Canaan to bring Jacob to Egypt, so that Joseph can provide for him and his whole household, and everyone who belongs to him. (9-12)
Joseph wept over his brothers and they talked with one another. (13-15)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
Again, it seems there is much we can learn from Joseph, including not throwing blame or making others feel badly for their wrongs but especially giving God all the credit that He is due, as we read in the soap verse. This is true even for ourselves. We would be wise to not look at any given situation and say look what I have done, look what I have become, or accomplished, or what ‘that person’ became because of me. Surely we can celebrate what God has helped us to accomplish at school, or work, or in life, for ourselves or for others – but we put ourselves in danger when it becomes about us and not what God has helped us accomplish. It can lead to pridefulness that may turn us to choose the world’s way instead of God’s. Instead let us To steer clear of the pitfalls of pride we would do well to deflect all praise to God as Joseph did and to set aside time daily to point our own minds to remembering what God has done for us.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word.
Father, thank You for being in complete control. Thank You for using us as Your instruments to accomplish Your will and for reminding us to give You all the glory and honor due Your Holy Name. Let Your praise always be on our lips and Your goodness always on our minds. Guard us from pridefulness and boasting in ourselves. These things I pray in Jesus’ name and power – Amen!
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
How is a willingness to forgive related to an understanding of God’s sovereignty?
Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with today?
Scripture Reading: Genesis 44; John 15:12-13; 1 John 1:8-2:2 (SOAP – John 15:12-13)
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA:
Joseph is still not ready to reveal his true identity to the brothers but is obviously wanting to keep Benjamin with him and continue to show compassion to the brothers and Jacob. However, Judah and the brothers are committed to keeping Benjamin safe and from causing their father further grief, so they replay the scenario to Joseph and plead for him to understand and relent.
Judah shows great sacrificial love by offering himself in the place of Benjamin, not just for the sake of Benjamin but in order that Jacob would not suffer more grief.
Me – from the Inside-out –
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
Today’s focus passage and application might appear to be simple – “Love one another”. Yet, the passage doesn’t stop there, nor should we. To truly understand how to apply today’s passages we must read the entire focus passage from John 15:12-13 – “My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this — that one lays down his life for his friends.” We see this played out in the life of Jesus, who loved us so much that He laid down His life for us – vile, guilty sinners, enemies of His Father, We also see a similar love offered by Judah on behalf of his father Benjamin. In light of this, how then should we live? We should not simply love one another but we should “Love one another, just as Christ has loved us.” (John 13:34)
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, please help us to love like Jesus. I confess it, most often, seems like an impossible application but I remember the words of Jesus to His early disciples – “with man [this] is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”Matt 19:26 This truth, fittingly applied to all Scriptures that teach seemingly impossible tasks for man, brings much hope. May Your Spirit in us produce this Love and all else You have called us to do in Jesus’ name. – Amen –
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Why is self-sacrifice the greatest display of love?
How was Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin a foreshadowing of what as to come in Christ?
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph, Overcome By Affection
In our last reading Jacob had refused to let Benjamin return with the brothers even though Simeon would be held prisoner until they did. Some time passed, the famine grew worse and the food and supplies they had brought from Egypt were now gone. The brothers had another conversation with Jacob and he relented, ultimately laying aside fear’s grip on him and trusting in the mercy of His God.
When Joseph saw Benjamin was with them he arranged for them to be brought to his house for the noon meal. When they were brought before Joseph, again they bowed before him. Joseph spoke with them, inquiring about their father and asking if the one they had brought with them was indeed their youngest brother, (this must have been to keep up his pretense of not knowing who they were). When Joseph greeted Benjamin he was overcome with affection for him and had to leave the room. Scripture says, he wept in his room before returning to the brothers and enjoying the meal that had been prepared for them.
Other Notable Observations:
The brothers were still fearful. (18)
They were honest concerning the money that they had found in their sacks. (19-22)
Simeon was returned, as promised. (23)
Today’s Focus Passage:
Remember, on their previous visit with Joseph he had been harsh and demanding toward them. Yet, on their return there is clearly a change in his demeanor – a humbleness that led him to have them brought to his home for a meal and undoubtedly to the affections and brokenness that overcame him when he was able to speak to Benjamin. What follows is an example for us of the words we find in 1 Peter 3:8-9, where believers are urged specifically not to repay evil for evil or insult for insult. Joseph not only resisted repaying evil for evil but we also see evidence of the other qualities mentioned. He was no longer harsh but spoke to them in a way that welcomed harmony, as he showed compassion, sympathetic concern and affection so great that the brothers “bowed down in humility” and Joseph had to leave the room because he was overcome by his emotions.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
Now that we’ve revisited Joseph’s story and his actions towards his brothers, reread 1 Peter 3:8-9 again. As you read, underline or make note of those things that remind you of Joseph’s actions toward his brother. I think you will find Joseph to be a wonderful example of how Peter encouraged the new testament believers to live.
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT
In light of these two passages and Paul’s words to Timothy that all Scripture is useful for training in righteousness, I believe we have a clear answer as to how we are to live. Like Joseph, we should be harmonious, unified around one way of thinking – namely “the way of Jesus”. We shouldbe sympathetic and compassionate, truly caring about our fellow believers and showing them kindness – even those who have hurt us or others we love. We are to be affectionate, showing ‘brotherly love’ to all believers; and as Joseph so clearly demonstrated, we should be humble – putting others above ourselves, making Christ and them the focus of our attention.
PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD.
Father, surely it is not easy to show love and kindness or to be sympathetic to those who have hurt us – but You have given us a perfect example in Joseph. Help us to be full of compassion, tenderhearted and forgiving as You are with us. Guide us in loving and living like Jesus – stir our affections to align with Yours so that others will see and know You and Your love in us. – To Your Glory – Amen!
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
How can you develop responsibility, honesty, unity, faith, and gratitude?
How do these characteristics bless the body of Christ?
Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA: The Brothers Bow Down
The famine was severe in the land of Canaan but Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt so he sent his sons, except for Benjamin, down to buy grain. Because Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people, it was him that they appeared before with their request and him they bowed down to. Years had past but Joseph still recognized his brothers, however they did not recognize him, most likely because he would have been dressed like an Egyptian and addressed by his Egyptian name. Scripture says, he did not disclose his identity but acted like a stranger and treated them harshly. I imagine that the harshness was most likely in some ways his true emotions spilling out toward those who had betrayed him but perhaps also an attempt to keep his identity a secret not know knowing what they would do if they found out he was alive and well. He was undoubtedly curious too as to the condition of his father and other brother so he asked questions prompting the information. Unsatisfied with, or untrusting of, their answers – he sends all but one of them back to Canaan, keeping Simeon as a prisoner to be released upon their return with his brother Benjamin.
Back in Canaan they explained the events to their father but after much conversation and promises to protect him he refused to let Benjamin go.
Other Notable Observations:
Joseph originally had all of the brothers imprisoned for three days while he considered what to do.
Joseph had cried out to his brothers for mercy before they sold him into slavery.
At one point he turned away from them and wept because he had understood their language and their conversation about what they had done to Joseph. (They did not know Joseph had understood them because they were using an interpreter.)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
In a previous letter Paul had rebuked the Corinthians for a particular sin. He had been concerned that his rebuke would have angered them but instead learned that they had repented – which is the best outcome to any rebuke. God intends for knowledge of our sins to make us sorrowful and lead us to repentance, which is to stop whatever worldly behavior we’re doing and choose instead to follow Him. Whether it is a repentance of the lost that leads to salvation or a repentance of the believer that leads to a right relationship with God – repentance is always best. This is what we saw with the brothers after their trip to Egypt – even before they knew that they had bowed before Joseph, they, specifically Reuben, realized the wrongness of their actions and the debt they owed.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word.
Father, help us to live with yielded and repentant hearts – In Jesus’ name, amen.
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
How does sadness lead to repentance and salvation ?
As we move into week five we will get to see the unfolding story of Joseph. We will see his own dream as a teenager become a reality and once again see his unusual but extraordinary reaction to his brothers. We will watch as they bow down to him. We will see them leave one brother behind in prison in order to bring Benjamin to Joseph – and we will listen as they try to convince their father to let his youngest son go back with them to Egypt. We will witness Joseph’s affection for his betrayers and see a sacrificial love that the brothers have for each other and their father. We will witness Joseph’s revelation that he is their brother and the reunion with his father. We will even get to see how Pharaoh reacts to learning that Joseph’s brothers had arrived. The fears and challenges are great and the lessons are inspiring as we see the battle with trust run deep with Jacob and his ten sons, and then there’s Joseph’s beautiful declaration that God had meant it all for good. I would encourage you to sneak away to a quiet place today for about 30-minutes to read these chapters, 42-46:30. It’s 5 chapters and not nearly as long as you would think but well worth the read as a whole before focusing on them individually in the study. I promise it will be time well spent and I know your heart will be glad.
The feature verse
This week’s feature verse comes from day 2, and is found in 1 Peter 3. If you watch carefully throughout the week you will see how well it applies to the reactions and actions of Joseph.
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
Challenge
This week we will focus on Joseph’s process of testing his brothers, as well as their reconciliation. Is there someone with whom you need to reconcile? Take steps to forgive them first, and then if possible seek reconciliation. Record how God works in your life and how you see His faithfulness in the process.
Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” 52 Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.” NLT
OBSERVATION:
THE GENESIS SAGA: PHARAOH’S DREAM
Two years after the cupbearer was released from prison and returned to Pharaoh’s service, Pharaoh had a dream but none of his ‘diviner-priests’ or any of his ‘wise men’ were able to tell him what it meant. BUT… the chief cupbearer, whose dream Joseph had interpreted, finally remembered Joseph and made mention of him to Pharaoh, telling him how Joseph had interpreted his dream and the dream of the royal baker exactly as it had happened.
Because of this, Joseph was summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and he was brought out of the dungeon and taken to Pharaoh. When they met Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream and there is no one here who can interpret it. But I have heard about you, that you can interpret dreams.” Can you imagine the hope this must have given Joseph? Perhaps this is why his reply to Pharaoh wasn’t simply, ‘yes I can,’ but rather one of clarification that it was not within his power to interpret dreams – but that God would speak concerning the welfare of Pharaoh.
God had used Joseph’s dreams, his faithfulness through the temptation of Potiphar’s wife as well as all other matters, his time in prison, and his gift of interpreting dreams to position him right where He wanted him.
ME-From the Inside-out
Pharaoh seemed unfazed by the response and proceeded to tell Joseph the dream. Joseph’s explanation and revelation from God made sense to Pharaoh (37), and he placed Joseph (an Israelite) in authority over all the land of Egypt. God had used Joseph’s dreams, his faithfulness through the temptation of Potiphar’s wife as well as all other matters, his time in prison, and his gift of interpreting dreams to position him right where He wanted him.
TODAY’S FOCUS VERSEs (also week four recap)
To truly appreciate the emphasis of these verses let’s recap one more time. Joseph was placed in a pit by his brothers, then with a change of greedy plans he was taken out by the brothers and sold for profit, ultimately he became a slave in the house of Potiphar. He was faithful in all of his duties and even in the proposition of Potiphar’s wife. Because of her actions and accusations against Joseph he was thrown into the prison, finding favor with the guard things went well for him but years passed despite hope of release following the interpretation of the cupbearer’s and royal baker’s dreams. Finally, the day came when he was released to interpret the dream of Pharaoh and as we’ve just read, the rest of the story is somewhat like a fairytale. Joseph, the Israelite, becomes second to none under Pharaoh and benefits more than he could have imagined as a 17 year-old teenager betrayed by his brothers. Yet even in all, beyond all the doubts that I imagine he had and all the heartache of the betrayal of his brothers, and all the disappointments where hope was risen and dashed to the ground, and even after all he had gained Joseph had not forgotten the God of his fathers. So when he is blessed with two sons he chooses names that honor God by recognizing His presence with him through it all.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
Clearly, Joseph remembers that God is with him even in the “land of his suffering”. He may have ruled Egypt but by this reference it appears he didn’t consider it home. He didn’t forget his God and as we will see in the coming week, he didn’t truly forget his family. All of these are good examples for us … While we may not actually be ‘happy’ about our hard circumstances of life or truly forget family or friends that have betrayed or hurt us – we will find that God often brings good things, seasons of hope, and even joy in the difficult times. I have often found it helpful to make note of God’s goodness in the past and to look for His goodnesses even in the present affliction. For remembering whose we are and that He is always with us is essential in the dark and difficult days of our life that bring fear, doubt, and pain.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word.
Father, thank You for Your presence with us – especially in the difficult seasons or moments of life. Thank You for using these times to prepare us and position us for where you want and need us to be. Help us to be alert to Your presence and to see Your fingerprints even in times of troubles, that we might remember You are direct ing our paths – so that we do not doubt and lose hope.
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
When has God been faithful to redeem you from a season of suffering?
If you are enduring a season of suffering right now, what can you do to remind yourself of His faithfulness?
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. NLT
Observation:
The Genesis Saga: Joseph’s Story
After being sold by his brothers (chapter 37) Joseph was taken down to Egypt. Away from his father and all the “comforts of home” he now belonged to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officicals and the captain of the guard. Scripture makes it quite clear though that the LORD was with Joseph, so much so that Potiphar could see that the LORD made everything he was doing successful, so he appointed Joseph over all that he owned, and the LORD blessed it all.
the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned.
Genesis 39:5-6 NLT
Potiphar was not wrong to trust Joseph as he did. However, it does seem that he was wrong to trust his wife. I’m sure you’ve heard the story – she continually propositioned Joseph and while he faithfully turned her down, in the end he was forced to run away from her bold advances – unfortunately not before she grabbed his outer garment. She used this as a weapon against Joseph making Potiphar believe that Joseph had taken advantage of her. Potiphar, of course, was furious and threw Joseph in prison. Even there, the LORD was with Joseph, showing him kindness and granting him favor in the sight of the prison warden – so that he was put in charge of all the prisoner’s care.
If we watch and listen – even in the hardest times, we will see and hear God with us and around us.
Me-from the inside-out
TODAY’S FOCUS VERSE
James writes that the one who “endures testing”, or testing and temptation as the NLT translates it, is blessed. While most translations explain this blessing as happening because “he has stood the test”, I love the way the NET phrases James’ words of explanation: “because he has proven to be genuine in his faith.” Regardless of which translation you read, the result is the same – the one who endures receives the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” While there are differences of opinions among commentators as to whether the crown of life is equal to eternal life, I fall on the side of those that say they are different – in that, all believers are promised eternal life based on their faith in Christ, while the crown of life seems to be a distinct reward for loving God and enduring the testings of this life.
Other note worthy observations in these three verses would be ….
God cannot be tempted and does not tempt anyone.
Every good and perfect gift is from God.
God does not change.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
Today’s application is, like most applications of God’s Word, challenging. I mean, let’s face it, enduring the trials and temptations of this life is rarely easy and can at times seem impossible. I have found a helpful key to this challenge is to remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians about temptations. He told them that when they are tempted God would show them the way out so that they could endure. We can and must TRUST GOD to show us that way of escape, actively looking for the escape in each struggle. We must purpose in our hearts and minds to endure, meaning we choose to press on to prove ourselves genuine and obtain the ‘crown of life’. We must guard against the mental and spiritual battle of questioning God’s motives in our troubles and trust that they are to strengthen our faith and produce endurance, (James 2:2-4, 13). We must also guard against trusting God less because of our trials and instead rely on Him even more. To paraphrase one commentator, if we don’t see Him as trustworthy we will move away from Him when trials come.
A Little Extra Insight from james
In light of today’s portion of the Genesis saga, I think we would be remiss to not make note of why we are tempted. Like Esau, Judah, Tamar, and so many others we have seen throughout our cast of characters, we are tempted when we are lured and entice by our own desires. Once the desire is born, it gives birth to sin and grows – and gives birth to death. James’ final warning here is a notable application for us – “Do not be led astray” or in other words – “choose God (life) instead of the world (death).
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13
PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
Father, when we remember that every good and perfect gift is from You – the enemy flees*! As we name the good gifts we defeat his use of the trial to move us away from You. He seeks to steal, and kill, and destroy – help us to constantly be in the habit of naming the gifts and blessings of Your generous hands. Alert us to the temptations of this world and help us to always choose You! – Your ways – Your power – Your love – and Your strength! To Your Glory and the promised reward of The Crown Of Life! – AMEN and AMEN – In Jesus’ Name!
You can also dive deeper into James with these helpful commentaries from BibleRef.com
[James 1:12] makes the connection between our love for God and our ability to remain faithful to Him in hard times. Those who truly love God trust Him, and those who truly trust Him continue to obey even when life gets hard. https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-12.html
[James 1:13] The temptation attached to trials is to trust God less. We might decide He is not strong enough to provide for us, not faithful to meet our needs, not compassionate about our pain and heartbreak. Is God good? Is He loving? Is He powerful? James is talking about how we choose to answer those questions about God on our worst days. If we decide to tell ourselves God is not faithful, we may declare our independence from Him by choosing not to obey. If we decide He is trustworthy, we will move closer to Him looking for more help, more connection.
James makes clear that blaming God for tempting us to reject Him, by allowing trials into our lives, is not a valid response. God never orchestrates the events of our lives with an intent to lure us away from Himself. He always roots for us to move closer. That’s who He is. The purpose of trials is not to drive us away from God, but to draw us closer to Him.
In the previous verse, James urged his readers not to be deceived. Emotions and sinful thinking can trick us into turning away from God. It’s important to cling to the truth, which is that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. In the midst of our trials, we are tempted to change our opinion of the trustworthiness of our God. We start to make lists of all the things we think we are missing in our lives, of all of the things we have lost. If God were good, wouldn’t we have those things?
This attitude leads to even more temptation. We begin to look elsewhere for the good things we think we’re missing. “If God won’t provide them,” we think, “we’ll have to go and get them for ourselves.” We attempt to take control. We struggle to find our own satisfaction.
Me From the Inside Out 