Don’t Withdraw—Engage
Scripture:
Genesis 40:6-8 –
“When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they looked distraught. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers… ‘Why do you look so sad today?’”
Philippians 2:3-4 –
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves…”
Devotional:
Joseph had every reason to be inwardly focused. He was unjustly imprisoned. Forgotten by people he helped. But instead of turning inward, he noticed someone else’s pain.
Pain makes us isolate. But the connection we avoid is often what God wants to use to bring our breakthrough.
When you feel forgotten, unappreciated, or unseen, the call of Jesus is to live outward—even in suffering.
Serving others in the midst of your own pain doesn’t make you weak. It makes you like Jesus.
Prayer:
Jesus, when I want to shut down and withdraw, help me step out instead. Give me eyes to see people around me who are hurting—even when I’m hurting too. Teach me to live with compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- When you're hurting, do you tend to pull away or reach out?
- Who around you might need encouragement today?
- What’s one way you can serve someone this week?