who ’ s there for you ? Jesus Christ ! a devotional by Jose Matamoros , Jackson Correctional Institution
one of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in Genesis 37:1-36 and 39:1-50 . It is about a man abandoned by brothers and is thrown in prison unjustly . Let me share why this true story is so powerful for me . His name is “ Joseph ” son of Jacob ( Gen 39:7-19 ).
It would have been very easy for Joseph to feel hopeless , defeated , miserable , and extremely lonely . Not only was he isolated in a real prison among the worst , and as a slave , but he was separated from his family and away from his country of birth . He had no way to communicate ( by letters , phone or visits ) with his father , Jacob , or his mother , Rachel , and let them know that he was alive ( Gen 39:20-23 ).
Joseph went from living in a palace to living in a filthy dark dungeon . When his master ’ s wife falsely accused him of intent of rape . And worse yet , he had been betrayed and abandoned by his own flesh and blood brothers . There were not many people , if any , who could relate to him . But Jesus Christ can relate to it all ! ( Gen 40:41-56 ).
Betrayal , abandonment , and rejection are tough . When a person also feels that they are not loved and that there is no one who understands or cares for them , it can be too much to bear . It is especially difficult if they are isolated in a prison cell without light , fans , air conditioning , TV , radio , windows or visits , and separated from their home , family and friends . I ’ ve got some great news for you . Jesus Christ loves you and truly cares for your wellbeing !
Somehow , Joseph not only handled all this , he also prospered in the middle of it . Joseph decided that instead of living a life of loneliness and isolation , he would have a relationship with God , his heavenly Father , who could take away the emptiness and pain in his life . God will do the same for you . He will never forsake or leave you ( Hebrews 13:5 ). How do I know that ? Because He has done ( and is doing ) the same for me , who used to be the worst of the scumbags . God ’ s true to His promises ! He means what He says , and says what He means . Hallelujah !
Because Jesus was with him , Joseph succeeded in every situation he faced . He wants to do the same for you ! When Joseph was a slave , God ( Jesus ) was with him and helped him succeed . When he was in prison , God ( Jesus ) was with him and showed him favor ( so he had done for me ). When he was put in charge of saving the nation of Egypt from famine , God ( Jesus ) was with him , and Joseph succeeded again ( Gen 39:2-6 ).
God wants the same for you . He created you , loves you , and knows everything about you . He will never reject , betray , or abandon you . He wants to be there for you when you feel like no one understands , no one is on your side , and no one is there to talk to . Only God ( Jesus ) can completely fill the need for a true , lasting relationship in your life . All you have to do is surrender and submit your life to Him . What seems impossible for man is possible for God ( Matthew 19:26 , Mark 10:27 , Luke 1:37 & 18:27 ).
It ’ s by the power of the Word that lives are changed !
Consequently , faith comes from hearing the message , and the message is heard through the Word about Christ .
Romans 10:17
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