SOLD BUT NOT FORSAKEN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 37:27-28
Key Verse: “Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph… But the Lord was with Joseph.” (Genesis 37:28; 39:2)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 27:10; Isaiah 49:15-16; Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:35-39
INTRODUCTION
There are seasons in life when circumstances make it appear as though one has been traded away, discarded, or forgotten. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, treating him as a commodity rather than a covenant child. Yet while men negotiated his price, heaven preserved his purpose.
Being sold represents rejection, misunderstanding, and loss of control. However, Scripture makes it clear that divine presence is not determined by human loyalty. Though Joseph was transferred from the pit to slavery, he was never transferred out of God’s plan.
When God ordains destiny, betrayal cannot cancel it, and abandonment cannot erase it. “Sold but not forsaken” reminds us that even in unwanted transitions, God remains actively involved, guiding every step toward fulfillment.
1. THE PAIN OF BETRAYAL
Betrayal wounds deeply, especially when it comes from familiar voices and trusted relationships.
a) Rejected by His Own (Genesis 37:27-28)
Joseph’s brothers conspired against him, proving that destiny opposition often arises from close proximity rather than distant enemies.
b) Valued as a Commodity
They assigned a price to his life, illustrating how people may reduce divine potential to temporary gain.
c) Powerlessness in Transition
Joseph had no control over the caravan’s direction, symbolizing seasons when life shifts without consultation.
d) Emotional Isolation
The journey into Egypt marked separation from family, comfort, and familiarity, intensifying the sense of abandonment.
Biblical Example: David was betrayed by close companions during Absalom’s rebellion, yet God preserved his throne and covenant (2 Samuel 15:12-14).
2. THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Though sold by men, Joseph remained accompanied by God’s unwavering presence.
a) “The Lord Was With Joseph” (Genesis 39:2)
Divine companionship outweighed human rejection and ensured continued favor.
b) Covenant Cannot Be Canceled (Isaiah 49:15-16)
God’s remembrance is deeper than human forgetfulness; He engraves His promises permanently.
c) Sustained in a Foreign Land
Even in unfamiliar environments, God provides grace to adapt, grow, and thrive.
d) Faith Beyond Circumstances (Hebrews 13:5)
God’s promise never to leave nor forsake His people remains unshaken by betrayal.
Biblical Example: Daniel was taken captive into Babylon, yet God’s presence elevated him above governors and princes (Daniel 6:3).
3. PURPOSE IN UNWANTED TRANSITIONS
What appears as loss may actually be divine relocation.
a) From Pit to Process
The sale transported Joseph into the environment where his administrative gift would develop.
b) Preparation in Potiphar’s House (Genesis 39:4)
Servitude became training for stewardship, teaching responsibility and excellence.
c) Character Formation Through Testing
Integrity under pressure ensured readiness for future authority.
d) Strategic Placement for Destiny (Romans 8:28)
God orchestrates even painful transfers to align with ultimate purpose.
Biblical Example: Esther was taken into the king’s palace under difficult circumstances, yet her relocation positioned her to save a nation (Esther 4:14).
4. VICTORY BEYOND REJECTION
Being sold did not define Joseph’s future; divine favor did.
a) Favor in Adversity (Genesis 39:21)
Even in prison, God granted Joseph mercy and influence.
b) Sudden Elevation (Genesis 41:14)
From confinement to command, God accelerated fulfillment in one decisive moment.
c) Reversal of Circumstances (Genesis 42:6)
Those who sold him eventually bowed before him, confirming divine vindication.
d) Recognition of God’s Sovereignty (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph acknowledged that human betrayal served a higher redemptive plan.
Biblical Example: Jesus was betrayed and handed over, yet His resurrection demonstrated that divine purpose triumphs over human treachery (Acts 2:23-24).
CONCLUSION
Sold but not forsaken is the testimony of every believer who has endured rejection yet remains sustained by God’s faithfulness. Joseph’s journey reveals that human betrayal cannot override divine covenant.
When others misjudge, abandon, or trade you away, remember that God’s hand still directs your path. What feels like loss may be divine positioning. What seems like rejection may be redirection.
You may be sold in the eyes of men, but you are never forsaken in the heart of God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, comfort my heart in every season of betrayal in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me trust Your presence even when others abandon me in Jesus name.
3. Father, turn every painful transition into purposeful positioning in Jesus name.
4. Lord, grant me grace to remain faithful in unfamiliar environments in Jesus name.
5. Father, preserve my destiny from destruction through rejection in Jesus name.
6. Lord, teach me to recognize Your hand in every relocation in Jesus name.
7. Father, develop my character through every testing season in Jesus name.
8. Lord, bring divine vindication where I have been misjudged in Jesus name.
9. Father, accelerate my elevation according to Your timing in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life testify that I was sold but never forsaken in Jesus name.
