Genesis 41:51-52
“Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, ‘God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.’ Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, ‘God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.’”
During the seven years of abundance, Joseph has two sons and gives them Hebrew names that have special meaning to Joseph. God has blessed Joseph with two main gifts through his personal crisis: the ability to forget the ways he’s been wronged and the ability to bear fruit in the midst of his grief and sorrow. Joseph’s grief has been overshadowed by God’s faithfulness.
Respond in Prayer
Do you have stories of God’s faithfulness that strengthen your own faith in Him? Sit alone with God for a few minutes now, reflecting on these stories. Get into a habit of writing out fears, worries, questions and concerns you have for God and then go back and read them later to see how He has proved Himself faithful in your life. Take some time to simply praise God for His great faithfulness to you. Use our Spotify playlist to help direct your worship!
For Families with Kids at Home
Ask your kids today this question: How do you know God is good? Share with your kids your own stories of where you’ve seen God be faithful and good to you. One of the key marks of a child developing a lifelong faith in Jesus is seeing an authentic faith lived out in their parents. Your kids don’t need perfect parents! They just want to see God working in your life, and that this is real to you.