The audio for this devotional is not available for now, but you can have your device read it to you.
Reading options
Verse:And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”—Genesis 45:4, 5, NKJV
The early years of my education began in a one-room school in Pennsylvania. When the weather permitted, we formed teams and played softball.
One of those games remains vivid in my memory.
My sister and I were chosen to play on opposite teams.
Maxine, who was twelve months younger than I, had brown hair with golden-red highlights, complementing her freckled cheeks and button nose.
As I walked up to the plate to bat, I noticed she was the catcher.
Not the best arrangement! I had a bad habit of slinging my bat the instant I heard the ball connect with the bat. Fearing for my little sister’s safety, I warned her to stand back, for I was getting ready to hit the ball. Just as I expected, she did not budge! Seconds later, I hit a fly ball and ran to first base. I turned to see a crowd gathered around my sister at home plate. Running back to home plate, I found her bleeding from the mouth with two front teeth broken at the gums. Quietly, I slipped away to dry my tears for her pain and nurse my shame while wondering whether anyone would ever love me after what I had just done! After ringing the school bell, our teacher ushered all the children inside, kindly telling my sister and me that we could sit on the school’s front porch while waiting for the school bus —of which our mother was the driver.
When Mother opened the bus door, I quickly slipped inside, going directly to the back. I slid down into my seat. Our teacher accompanied my sister, sharing with Mother about the accident. I wanted to disappear.
Thankfully, the other children sensed my pain and gave me the space and privacy I needed. Time did its work of healing within the silence that surrounded me, and I accepted forgiveness for myself. Instead of words of anger, blame, or resentment being directed at my wounded heart, I experienced the gifts of unconditional love and forgiveness. In Genesis 45, Joseph offered mercy to his brothers, who had intentionally brought him pain, changing his life forever. “Come near to me. … Do not … be grieved or angry with yourselves” (verses 4, 5, NKJV).
God Himself speaks to each of us today through the beautiful spirit of Joseph.
Dottie Barnett