When Pain Has a Purpose
Genesis 37:23–24 (ESV)
“So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.”
Scripture Insight
Joseph’s journey didn’t begin with a crown—it began with a pit. The robe that represented his father’s love was stripped away, but his destiny wasn’t. The pit wasn’t punishment; it was positioning. What his brothers meant for evil, God would use for alignment. Before God ever promotes, He prunes. Before He entrusts influence, He establishes integrity.
The pit reminds us that favor doesn’t exempt us from pain—it refines us through it.
Devotion
When life strips away what once made you feel favored, it’s easy to believe you’ve lost your place in God’s plan. But the truth is, the pit can become holy ground if you allow God to work in it. The pit removes distractions, silences voices, and forces your roots to go deep.
It’s in the empty places—where there is “no water in it”—that we learn our true Source. God’s purpose in the pit is to prepare your character for the calling ahead. You may have lost your robe, but you haven’t lost your purpose. The robe was temporary; the calling is eternal.
Reflection Questions
What situation has felt like a “pit” in your life recently?
How might God be using this season to deepen your dependence on Him?
What would change if you started seeing your pain as part of God’s preparation?
Prayer Focus
Ask God to give you vision in the pit—to see beyond the pain and into His purpose.
Thank Him that even when others strip things away, He never removes His hand from your life.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for reminding me that every pit has a purpose. When life feels empty, help me to see You at work beneath the surface. Strip away pride, fear, and discouragement—and fill me with faith that You are positioning me for something greater. I trust You even in the pit, knowing You are preparing me for purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
