Redemption Road: When God Restores What You Lost (Part 1)Sample

Joseph: The Blame Game

Yesterday, we started to look at the story of Joseph. Whether you are recovering from a financial loss, a broken relationship, or a failed business, I encourage you to read his full story to understand the process of loss and restoration. In addition to reminding us that loss is not always an indication of evil, Joseph’s life teaches us that God’s desire to restore and make us whole is not something we earn—it is a matter of His good character.

God often uses the process of restoration to refine and equip us. In a later part of the series, we will look at the stories of Ruth and Job, who also remind us that nothing can get to us unless God allows it. If God allowed a heartache or loss to reach you, things will work out to affirm His character and love for you.

One way that God demonstrates His love for us is through accountability. It does not always feel good, but it forces us to grow in areas that might be blinders in our lives. As we take a closer look at Joseph’s story, we realize that he was not exactly 100 percent innocent.

In Genesis 37:1-11, we get a clear understanding of his family dynamic. Joseph was the favorite son who also happened to be the resident braggart and tattletale. He often showed off his gifts and bragged about the good things God revealed about his future. It is easy to understand why his brothers were annoyed and jealous of him.

Like Joseph, you and I might have played a small (or big) role in the events that led to our challenges. Perhaps we were financially irresponsible and lived above our means, or we incorrectly assumed everyone would be happy and overshared good things to people who had bad intentions. We might have gone into a business deal without doing our research, or we jumped into a romantic relationship after ignoring the red flags.

No matter the circumstances, the good news is that God is still in control, and He is still gracious. Whether we saw the loss coming or not, Genesis 50:20 is clear that what others mean for evil, God can turn around for good. Our human condition means we did not earn His redemption, but grace still makes it accessible.

Prayer:

Father, if I’m honest, I don’t always get things right. As I position myself to experience Your full restoration, I pray for wisdom, discernment, and clarity. Help me exercise restraint and not engage in ways that would prove harmful to me later. I also pray for favor and right relationships with people who would encourage me while they hold me accountable in love. I pray for healthy relationships with those who would have good intentions and for protection from those who would seek only to harm me.