“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons… and he made an ornate robe for him.”
— Genesis 37:3 (NIV)
Joseph was a young boy who loved God. His father, Jacob, loved Joseph very much. One day his father gave him a special present: a beautiful coat with lots of bright, happy colors.
Joseph also had dreams while he slept. In his dreams, even the stars and the sheaves of wheat seemed to bow down to him. Joseph did not know it yet, but God had a big plan for his life.
Joseph had ten older brothers. When they saw the colorful coat, and when they heard about the dreams, they became jealous. They wished their father loved them that much too.
One day Joseph went to find his brothers out in the fields. But they were so jealous that they took his special coat away and sent him far, far away to a land called Egypt.
That was very sad. Joseph was alone, and his home was far behind him. But here is the most important part of the story: God was with Joseph. God never left him for even one minute.
Even when things felt scary and hard, God was taking care of Joseph and getting ready to do something wonderful. And just like God was with Joseph, God is always with you too.
The Big Idea
Even when Joseph was far from home and things felt hard, God stayed right beside him. God is always with you, no matter what.
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.What special present did Joseph's father give him?
- 2.How do you think Joseph felt when he was sent far away?
- 3.Who is always with you, even when you feel sad or scared?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You for staying with Joseph the whole time. Thank You for always being with me too, even when things are hard. Help me to remember that I am never alone. Amen.
The same story, told for…