By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
Faith in Real Life Series: Walking by Faith
When, Not If
Scripture
“By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.”
— Hebrews 11:22 (NIV)
Devotional
Have you ever found it easier to talk about what God has done than to trust Him for what He has promised to do? We can look back and see how He carried us through a difficult season, provided for a need, or answered a prayer. Looking ahead can feel different, especially when our circumstances give us little reason to believe anything will change. Joseph understood difficult circumstances, yet near the end of his life, he was still telling his family what God was going to do.
Joseph had experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and prison. He had spent years in situations he would never have chosen. Yet those experiences had also given him opportunities to see God’s faithfulness. Now, as he faced death, he reminded his family that God would bring His people out of Egypt. He was so certain of that promise that he told them to take his bones along when they left. Did you catch that? Joseph was making plans for a journey he would not live to see. For him, it was a matter of when, not if.
I love that Joseph gave his family something to remember long after he was gone. As the years passed and life in Egypt became difficult, his instructions would continue to point them toward God’s promise. They might wonder when deliverance would come, but Joseph had left them a testimony of faith: God would do what He had said.
What are the people around us hearing about God’s faithfulness? They hear our concerns, our frustrations, and our questions. There is room to be honest about those things. But are we also reminding them of the hope we have in Christ? We may not know how a particular situation will turn out, and we cannot turn every personal desire into a promise from God. We can, however, speak confidently about what He has promised: His presence, His forgiveness, and eternal life through Jesus.
Today, think of someone who needs that encouragement. Share a promise from Scripture, tell them how God has been faithful in your life, or pray with them about what lies ahead. Joseph’s confidence helped his family look beyond Egypt. Our faith can help someone look beyond what they are facing today and remember that God is still faithful.
Reflect
- What promise from God’s Word do you need to remember while you wait?
- Who needs to hear you speak about God’s faithfulness today?
Pray
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout my life. Help me remember what You have done and trust what You have promised. When waiting is difficult, keep my heart anchored in Your Word. May the way I live and speak encourage those around me to place their hope in You. Amen.
Memory Verse
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”
— Romans 1:17 (NIV)
