“And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces” (Genesis 37:33 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

We’ve all been there. When we contemplate the worst case scenario and a feeling of dread overwhelms us. At least once a month I get caught in a serious case of worrying because my husband is not home as promptly as I think he should be. I can’t reach him on his cell phone and I start jumping to conclusions of what might have happened. Reading our devotional verse made me downright angry with Joseph’s brothers because of the grief they caused their father. Jacob surmised what could have happened to Joseph when he saw the bloody coat. Don’t jump to conclusions when it comes to your children. Reading the story of Joseph’s life, we understand how God protected and promoted him despite all odds. This gives me hope that God has everything in His control!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for all the parents who are genuinely concerned about their children. May this story serve as a reminder not to give up even though the situation looks hopeless. Only God knows how many more chapters are ahead.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton