GETTING STARTED
Imagine this. You have been praying fervently and faithfully that God would meet a specific need in your life. Finally, and even miraculously, God meets that need. At the same time, your friend has been walking the same journey of trusting God to meet the same need in his own life. God, in his grace, meets the need for your friend as well. Yet, as you come to find out, God has answered your friend’s need differently, and from your perspective more abundantly, than he did for you.
- What are some emotional responses that can surface in your heart when you think that God’s provision in others’ lives outweighs his provision in your life?
READ THE WORD: GENESIS 43:26-34 (ESV)
26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. 27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. 29 And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” 30 Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” 32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What were Joseph’s practical and emotional responses to seeing Benjamin—his only brother who shared the same mother? Why would Joseph do this? What is going on?
- What do you notice about the brothers’ reactions when Benjamin was given special treatment?
- God’s provision in our lives is a continual reminder of his grace in our lives. What are some recent ways God has provided for you or has been leading you by his grace?
- What are the dangers of choosing to see God’s favor on someone else’s life as an indication that he loves you less?
- Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to “Rejoice always.” What situations, attitudes, or feelings are you allowing to keep you from rejoicing today?
RESPOND TO GOD
It is easy to rejoice when God meets a real need in our own lives. Yet, our response when God meets the same need differently in someone else’s life is a great indicator of the attitude of our heart. The enemy wants to capture ground in our lives by way of jealousy, resentment, and entitlement. It helps to remember that we are entitled to nothing. What God gives us comes by way of his grace, and he has given to us bountifully.
- Give thanks for the things both large and small with which God has blessed you.
- Ask God to reveal any ongoing attitudes or feelings that may be keeping you from rejoicing. Take some time to repent of those now.