So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. But the LORD was with Joseph… – Genesis 39:20-21 NLT
If anyone had a reason to be discouraged, it was Joseph. He was sold into slavery as a teenager by his brothers (Genesis 37:18-26), thrown in prison for a crime he didn’t commit (Genesis 39), and abandoned by the one person who promised to plead his case (Genesis 40). To say he had been dealt a lousy hand would be an understatement.
Despite his circumstances, Joseph didn’t lose his head—or his faith.
If you’re going through a difficult circumstance and are worried over how you’re going to get through it, you’re not alone. Here are four practices from the life of Joseph to help you find C.A.L.M. during a crisis.
Continue to honor God.
Joseph could have been angry at God for his lot in life, but he chose to honor God in everything he did (Genesis 39:2). Even when his master’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph ran from temptation—literally (Genesis 39:6-12). Don’t let what’s happening in your life circumstances right now cause you to become bitter with God and turn your back on him.
Adjust your plans.
Joseph had to make a lot of adjustments to his plans. He went from son to slave, to prisoner, to second-in-command in Egypt (Genesis 39:19-41:36). When a global food crisis hit, Joseph was put in charge of the relief efforts (Genesis 41:36-56). He planned, saved, and adjusted along the way. Be mindful of what’s happening and make changes as you go.
Learn to forgive.
Joseph and his brothers reunited in Egypt after many years, only this time, Joseph was the one with all the power. He could have used it to take revenge, but instead, he used it to forgive and help his family (Genesis 42-50). We need to do our part to extend love and grace to each other.
Minister to others.
In Genesis 50:20, Joseph said, “[God] brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (NLT). Likewise, as believers, we’re called to partner with God to encourage and uplift each other. Call a friend. Send an encouraging text. Take a meal to a neighbor. Those are ways you can minister to the people God has placed around you.
Dig Deeper:
- What are you most worried about right now?
- Pick one C.A.L.M. practice to work on. Share how you will live that out this week.
