Favor in Hard Places
Scripture
“But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
— Genesis 39:21 (NKJV)
Devotion
Joseph had favor in his father’s house, in Potiphar’s house, and even in prison. The circumstances kept getting worse, but the favor kept showing up. That’s a picture of what Pastor Darren described: “Wherever Joseph was, God placed favor on his life…he had a continual ‘I will make it’ mindset.”
Many of us think favor only looks like open doors, promotions, and comfort. But Joseph’s life shows another side: favor is God’s hand on you in adversity. It’s the grace to stay faithful when you have every excuse to quit. It’s the ability to still lift God’s name when you’ve been lied about and overlooked.
In the sermon, we heard how Joseph refused to complain—in Potiphar’s house, in the prison, or in front of Pharaoh. Instead, he kept saying, “It is God who gives the interpretation,” “It is God who gives the wisdom.” God was always on his lips. That’s favor: not just external blessings, but an internal posture that glorifies God no matter what.
You may be in what feels like “prison” right now—a job, a family situation, a health battle. The enemy wants you to believe God’s favor has left you. But favor can look like God sustaining your faith, giving you influence even in dark places, using your story to bless others. Don’t measure God’s favor only by comfort. Measure it by His presence and His purpose still at work in you.
Reflection
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your favor is not limited to good seasons. You were with Joseph in the prison, and You are with me in my hard place. Help me to recognize Your hand even when life is difficult. Put praise on my lips instead of complaint. Use my current situation for Your glory, and let others see Your favor on my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
— Genesis 39:21 (NKJV)
Devotion
Joseph had favor in his father’s house, in Potiphar’s house, and even in prison. The circumstances kept getting worse, but the favor kept showing up. That’s a picture of what Pastor Darren described: “Wherever Joseph was, God placed favor on his life…he had a continual ‘I will make it’ mindset.”
Many of us think favor only looks like open doors, promotions, and comfort. But Joseph’s life shows another side: favor is God’s hand on you in adversity. It’s the grace to stay faithful when you have every excuse to quit. It’s the ability to still lift God’s name when you’ve been lied about and overlooked.
In the sermon, we heard how Joseph refused to complain—in Potiphar’s house, in the prison, or in front of Pharaoh. Instead, he kept saying, “It is God who gives the interpretation,” “It is God who gives the wisdom.” God was always on his lips. That’s favor: not just external blessings, but an internal posture that glorifies God no matter what.
You may be in what feels like “prison” right now—a job, a family situation, a health battle. The enemy wants you to believe God’s favor has left you. But favor can look like God sustaining your faith, giving you influence even in dark places, using your story to bless others. Don’t measure God’s favor only by comfort. Measure it by His presence and His purpose still at work in you.
Reflection
- Where have you experienced God’s favor in hard places—not just easy ones?
- Is your first response in trial more often complaint or worship? Why?
- What would it look like, practically, for “God to be always on your lips” this week?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your favor is not limited to good seasons. You were with Joseph in the prison, and You are with me in my hard place. Help me to recognize Your hand even when life is difficult. Put praise on my lips instead of complaint. Use my current situation for Your glory, and let others see Your favor on my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.