Thought

Joseph’s story is one of riches to rags to riches again. He had been the favored son of his wealthy father, but when his brothers turned against him, he lost everything—except his God. God stayed with Joseph in every part of his path, and God’s wisdom placed Joseph as second-in-command at an important time for so many people suffering from the famine. Perhaps if someone else had been in control, they might have hoarded all the food for the richest people in Egypt or done something worse. But with Joseph as Pharaoh’s special advisor, many people were saved. We can be thankful that God’s plans are so much wiser and better than anything we can imagine!

Word

Genesis 41:51–52 NIV

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Question

What would you name your children?

Joseph gave his sons names that reflected his beliefs about God and what God had done for him. If you had children, what would you name them?

Challenge

When Joseph was at the bottom of a pit about thirteen years prior, I’m guessing he never imagined he would be in charge of all Egypt as Pharaoh’s second-in-command at the age of 30. Complete this statement: In thirteen years, I will be ______________. Dream big! Write down your prediction for yourself and keep it in a safe place. Then, when you are older, you can look back at your prediction and see what happened.

Prayer

God, I’m so glad You are in charge. Help me to remember that Your plans are always better than anything I can dream of! Amen.