Family relationships are some of the most beautiful yet challenging aspects of life. They experience the wide range of emotions: love, joy, disappointment, anger, jealousy, betrayal, and pain. God is present in the messiness of our families and works out his purposes through our brokenness. This is shown through the account of Joseph in Genesis.

The Bible is full of broken families. Joseph grew up in a complicated family. His father Jacob deceived his brother Esau from his birthright and blessing. Jacob was deceived in marriage. He thought he was marrying Rachel but married Leah instead. The story of their marriages, jealously, bearing children became the 12 tribes of Israel.

Jacob showed favoritism to Joseph and this caused resentment his brothers. When opportunity arose, Josephs brothers sold him into slavery to Egypt. God's hand was with Joseph. He was sold into a Pharoah's officials household. When Joseph was wrongly accused of sexual advances toward the officials wife and put in prison, God's hand was still with him.

God used that experience to prepare him for the future. When a dream interpretation was needed from Pharaoh, Joseph was the only one who could and interpreted the dream. His actions lead to him being 2nd only to Pharaoh and saving the nation from coming starvation due to famine. He later reunited with his brothers and father and forgive them for what they had done.

Application
1) God is present and active in the messiness of our families and life. God;s presence is not determined by our circumstance. He walks with us through our valleys and victories.

2) When we are in these valleys, we can trust God is shaping our story even when we don't see it. Trust God that he is in control and does not waste a hurt.

3) God can turn wounds into scars. Give over your wounds to Jesus.

Reflect on Your Family Story
1) Where have you experienced brokeness in your family?
2) Where can you see God's hand even in hindsight?