Living the Dream: A Devotional for Students Through the Life of JosephSample

Day 2 - Facing Opposition

We read the beginning of Joseph's story yesterday. As you read more of his story, you see that His father loved him more than any of his other children and clothed him in a beautiful robe. Because of the special treatment from his father, it created a rocky relationship between Joseph and his siblings. Scripture even says they hated him. Joseph told them of the dreams God gave Him. But they didn't want to hear it. It only made them more jealous and opposed to Joseph.

We can relate well with Joseph can't we? Conflict with those we are surrounded by can be a common occurrence whether it be at school, work, or even in our own home. We can know that conflict and opposition will come when we choose to live out our faith. There’s just no way around it. Culture continues to press against what God’s word says is true. Our world is becoming increasingly more full of hate and it’s directed at people of faith. Christ followers are no longer honored by culture, but instead slandered and outcasted.

But Jesus understood this opposition and He shared with his disciples that this would happen.

"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."- Matthew 10:22

How do you respond when you face opposition? Do you try to avoid it? Do you run to it and pick a fight or do you just fall in line with the status quo?

Jesus calls us to “stand firm.” He calls us to live out our faith no matter the cost because,

“He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

Reflect:

What opposition have you recently experienced by living out your faith? Take some time today to reflect on this question and thank God that He is with you through it all.