July 31: Still Standing

“Still Standing: From the Pit to Purpose”

Sharon Campbell-Danvers,
 Shepherdess, CIC

After the death of Jacob, Joseph honoured his father's final request—he brought him to the burial place he had promised. In doing so, Joseph fulfilled his father's desires with deep love and reverence.

During his father’s illness, Joseph likely had time to speak heart-to-heart with him. I imagine them sitting together, talking about the years they had lost. Joseph would have shared his journey—the moment he was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet he would also have testified of God's faithfulness, the dreams fulfilled, and the position of influence he now held.

I can imagine Jacob weeping, embracing his son, the one he thought was dead—now alive, strong, and restored. Their bond rekindled, forgiveness flowed like healing oil.

While Joseph and his father were reconnecting, Joseph’s brothers were unsettled. They feared that now, with Jacob gone, Joseph would take revenge. They fell at his feet and pleaded, “Please forgive us.”

But Joseph’s response was not one of vengeance, but vision.

"You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
—Genesis 50:20

This declaration captures the essence of divine providence. God has the power to transform injustice into purpose, pain into progress. When we trust in Him, all things work together for our good.

Joseph’s story reminds us that enemies may become our footstool (Psalm 110:1)—not because we step on them, but because God elevates us above the plans of those who meant us harm.

Joseph’s experience is proof that when God allows injustice to run its course, it may seem like the enemy is winning—but when God finally says, “Enough is enough,” the tables turn. And when they turn, it’s hard for those on the wrong side of the story.

Let Joseph’s life encourage you:

• God sees.

• God knows.

• God redeems.

Wait on Him. What was meant to destroy you may be the very thing that propels you into your destiny.

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What Was Meant for Evil…

• What was meant to defeat you...

• What was meant to destroy your relationship...

• What was meant to weaken your faith...

• What was meant to confuse your mind...

• What was designed to break your spirit...

• What was created to humiliate you...

• What was crafted to keep you stuck...

God turned it. He used it. And He raised you.

Joseph’s journey teaches us that God doesn’t waste pain. Every pit, every prison, every tear was part of the process. When God says “Enough is enough,” no enemy can stop the elevation. He prepares a table before you in the presence of your accusers.

Your pain has a purpose. Your story has power. You are still standing.

 Prayer:

Father God, thank You for turning what was meant for evil into something good. Help me to trust Your process, even when I don’t understand the path. Strengthen me when I’m weary, comfort me when I’m wounded, and keep me humble when You lift me. May I forgive as Joseph did and walk in purpose, not in pain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.