When We Cause the Breaking Point
Scripture:
Genesis 37:26–27
"Then Judah said to his brothers, 'What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.' And his brothers agreed."
Devotional:
We’re quick to identify with Joseph in the pit—wronged, hurt, abandoned. But sometimes, we’re Judah. Sometimes, we’re the ones who caused the pit. We made the decision. We spoke the word. We crossed the line.
Judah didn’t just watch Joseph suffer—he initiated the plan. Then he carried that guilt for decades. He lived while pretending nothing was wrong, but he was a prisoner inside.
Maybe you know that feeling—the decisions you regret, the secret you can’t undo, the guilt you still wear. Here’s the truth: We can’t change the past, but we can change the future through repentance.
God is not shocked by your sin. He’s not helpless in your failure. He specializes in turning our worst moments into places of redemption. But only if we stop hiding, start confessing, and ask for His help.
Prayer:
Father, I confess there are times when I have caused pain—through words, actions, selfishness. Forgive me for the times I wounded others and turned from You. I don’t want to stay stuck in guilt. I want to move into grace. Redeem what I’ve broken, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there any “pits” you caused in someone else’s life that you’ve never fully acknowledged?
- What guilt have you been carrying that God is inviting you to bring into the light?
- Why do you think it’s easier to hide guilt than to confess it?