March 26 - Lessons in the Pit and the Palace

MARCH 26 - Lessons in the Pit and the Palace3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 13:1–2; Genesis 39–41//3-Year Bible (Year 1) Devotional Book Available on Amazon//________________________________________“A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.” — Proverbs 13:1–2“But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” — Genesis 39:21“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.’” — Genesis 41:39________________________________________Have you ever felt like doing the right thing actually made life harder? Joseph definitely could relate. He honored God, stayed out of trouble, and still got thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, lied about, and tossed in prison. Yet even in the worst places, God didn’t forget him.Through it all, Joseph chose wisdom over bitterness and faith over fear. His journey from the pit to the palace shows what happens when we stick with God—even when life feels unfair. And just like Proverbs 13:1–2 reminds us, when we listen and live wisely, it leads to good things in the long run.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. God is at work even when it’s hard: Joseph went through betrayal and prison, but Genesis 39–41 shows that God was with him the entire time. Where in your life do you need to trust that God is still working, even when you don’t see the results yet?2. Your choices matter in every season: Whether Joseph was a slave, a prisoner, or a leader in Egypt, he lived with integrity. How can you choose to honor God in your current situation—at school, home, or with your friends?3. Wisdom brings reward: Proverbs 13 reminds us that listening to godly instruction leads to good fruit. Who are the people in your life that help you grow in wisdom? Are you open to correction when it comes?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEGod’s presence and purpose don’t disappear in your hardest moments. When you live with integrity and choose wisdom like Joseph did, God can use your story in powerful ways—both in the pit and the palace.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for never leaving me, even when life feels unfair or confusing. Help me to choose wisdom, stay faithful, and trust that You’re working behind the scenes. Grow in me a heart like Joseph’s—one that stays close to You no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.