Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 19
Day 19 - Thursday, July 18
Read Genesis 42-43
Highlight
Have you ever experienced one of those moments when something does not go quite to plan and you wonder if it is because of that one thing that happened years ago? Joseph’s brothers felt that in these chapters, because “They said to one another, ‘Surely we are being punished because of our brother.’ (42:21).” Their task was simple - go to Egypt and buy grain. Yet, they get to Egypt, are accused of spies, held for three days, told to leave one of their brothers behind as ransom to come back with their youngest brother. Which they know they cannot do, because their father “did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him” (v. 4). This easy task had turned out to be difficult and they feel the guilt from their actions years previous.
Yet, in its own intricate way, this is God setting the stage for both Joseph and his brothers to find forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Genesis 42-43
Highlight
Have you ever experienced one of those moments when something does not go quite to plan and you wonder if it is because of that one thing that happened years ago? Joseph’s brothers felt that in these chapters, because “They said to one another, ‘Surely we are being punished because of our brother.’ (42:21).” Their task was simple - go to Egypt and buy grain. Yet, they get to Egypt, are accused of spies, held for three days, told to leave one of their brothers behind as ransom to come back with their youngest brother. Which they know they cannot do, because their father “did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him” (v. 4). This easy task had turned out to be difficult and they feel the guilt from their actions years previous.
Yet, in its own intricate way, this is God setting the stage for both Joseph and his brothers to find forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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