Joseph, “Forgotten”
Joseph was the favorite son with a big dream, but his story took a sudden turn into the dark. He was thrown into a deep pit by his own brothers, sold into a far-away land, and eventually locked in a cold prison for something he didn't even do.
In the dark, it was easy to feel like the mission was over. Joseph was "off the map," hidden away where no one could see him. He felt totally alone and completely forgotten.
But while the world looked away, God was still in control
Then, the Bible tells us the most important part of the story:
"But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him faithful love."
Genesis 39:21 (NLT)
For a child, "the pit" doesn't have to be a literal hole in the ground. It’s the feeling of being the new kid at school, the fear of the dark when the door closes, or the frustration of waiting for a promise that hasn't happened yet.
We want to move them from the fear of "I am alone" to the faith of "I am hidden." Being "hidden" means God is protecting you while He prepares you for what’s next. By the end of this mission, your little Recruit will know that God’s love is "GPS-proof" it finds them exactly where they are.
Parent Tip: Don’t be afraid of the "scary" parts of Joseph's story. Kids naturally understand the fear of being left behind. By using this "Engage" time, you are giving them a safe place to talk about those fears while anchoring them to the truth of Genesis 39:21.
Lets break it down!
Engage:
Create the "Pit" Have your child sit under a table or in a blanket fort with the lights low.
"Joseph was in a dark place just like this. He had to wait a long time. Does it feel a little lonely in here?"
Do you think God forgot Joseph, or was He just getting him ready for something big?"
Every time you say "Pit" or "Prison," have them flash a flashlight at the ceiling.
God’s love is a light that never goes out, even in the deepest holes.
Apply:
Spot your pits: Talk about when waiting feels hard (like in the car or at bedtime) or when things go the "wrong" way. Ask: "When did something happen that was totally different than you planned?" Tell them these are their "pits."
The Recruit Phrase: Teach them this power statement for when they feel lonely:
"I’m hidden, I feel lost, but I am not forgotten!"
The Seed Secret: Explain that Joseph was like a seed in the dirt. It’s dark, quiet, and feels like nothing is happening, but that is exactly where God is making you grow strong.
Real-Life Intel: Share a "grown-up" story of a time you were in a pit and God showed His faithful love to you. Tell them how His plan ended up being even better than yours. Little recruits love seeing faith in action!
Repeat & Reinforce:
The "Rescue Rope" Basket:
Place a favorite stuffed animal at the bottom of a laundry basket (the pit). Tie a scarf or rope to the basket and have the child pull it across the room to a "palace" (a couch or rug).
"Joseph didn't get out of the pit immediately, but God never let go of the rope. He always finishes the rescue mission!"
The "Prison Key" Craft":
Cut a key shape out of cardboard or tin foil. On one side, write "GEN 39:21."
"This is your 'Faith Key.' When you feel stuck or forgotten this week, hold your key and remember the promise: The Lord is with me!"
The "Colorful Coat" Mosaic:
Rip up small pieces of colored paper or use different colored pom-poms. Let your child glue them onto a simple outline of a coat.
"Joseph’s brothers took his coat, but they couldn't take his God! This colorful coat reminds us that even when we lose something we love, God's love is the one thing that always stays with us."
The "Pit to Palace" Obstacle Course
Create a simple course: Crawl under a chair (The Pit), walk along a "rope" (the long journey), and end at a "throne" made of pillows (The Palace).
"The road from the pit to the palace was long and bumpy for Joseph. But every time he took a step, God was right there walking beside him. We can keep going because we aren't walking alone!"
Closing Thought:
Don't be afraid of the "pit" moments. They aren't the end of your story; they are just the construction site for your future! It’s in those quiet, hidden places where God’s love and faithfulness shine the brightest and feel the strongest.
I’ll leave you with this 6 min video “The Story of Joseph and the Colorful Coat | Bible Stories for Kids”
For even more hands-on fun, pair this mini-devo with the activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
Joseph Activity Sheet
This 1 page printable resource guides kids through key moments of Joseph’s journey while reinforcing biblical understanding through interactive learning.
Highlights include:
Memory Verse: fill in the blank Genesis 39:21 to learn about God’s faithful love.
Object Hunt: Find and check-mark the colorful coat Jacob gave Joseph.
Journey Map: Trace the camel’s path to follow Joseph to Egypt.
Number Quest: A fun counting challenge to find Joseph’s 11 brothers.
Daily Prayer: A simple prayer to remind them they are never forgotten.
The Story of Joseph and the Colorful Coat | Bible Stories for Kids
