Genesis 44:1-2,17
“Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: ‘Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.’ And he did as Joseph said. . . But Joseph said, ‘. . .Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace.’”
Joseph has been acting out a plan he developed months ago to test his brothers. He recreates a scene placing Benjamin in the place he had been in 20 years ago with his brothers. How will the brothers react this time? Will they allow Benjamin to become a slave just as they did with Joseph? Joseph tests them to know what’s in their hearts.
Respond in Prayer
How do you respond to the testing of your faith? Have you grown and changed more into the image of Jesus or have you become more hardened and prideful? Ask God to continue to deepen your love for Him and others as your faith is tested. See here for what the Bible has to say about being tested and this article for further reading.
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, spend time intentionally praying for each of your kids—that as they experience trial, opposition, and hardship, that they would learn to trust God through it. Pray that God would give you the strength and courage to talk them through the pain they experience, and not to avoid it.