The Path: Genesis 42 SOAP Journal
- True North Church
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 26
The Path Journal is more than just a planner... it’s a companion for your spiritual journey, crafted to guide you through an entire year of growth and reflection. This 365-day SOAP journal was curated for you, with encouraging scripture, dedicated spaces for Sunday sermon notes, and so much more. Whether you’re diving deeper into your faith or starting a fresh chapter in your walk with God, The Path Journal offers the perfect framework to keep you grounded and growing, one day at a time. Over the course of the next year, we will be featuring an entry per week to help create additional insights, motivation, and accountability.
Diving into Genesis 42:18 and 24 with the SOAP Method
Scripture
18: "On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God"
24: "Then he turned away from them and wept. And he returned to them and spoke to them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes."
Observation
God humbles Joseph's brother. God is working to restore the relationship.
Joseph had nothing but love for his brothers, even though he went through so much because of them.
God never left Joseph side. He always had a plan.
God is working in the brothers hearts before Joseph is revealed to them. God is preparing them.
Jacob was hurt so much by his losses that he has had a hard time trusting God. Everything that happened to Joseph was part of a much larger plan. God always knows better. His plan is always good even when we can't understand.
Application
Trust that God is working. I may not understand each step of the way, but He is right with me working His plan.
Love, give grace, forgive. Don't hold onto the pain or hurt, let God work in their hearts. Let him work in my heart.
Prayer
God, you're so good. All good comes from you. You know exactly what you're doing. I pray that you would help me to trust you. To love those you have placed around me. To give Grace. God, help me to trust you. I'm sorry for making this life about me. Lord change my heart. Show me your way. Guide me today. Amen
Trusting the Bigger Story
Genesis 42:18 and 24 reveal a powerful moment in Joseph’s story. A reminder that even in pain, betrayal, and uncertainty, God is always working behind the scenes. He was softening the hearts of Joseph’s brothers, restoring what was broken, and preparing them for redemption long before the full picture was clear. The same is true in our lives. We may not understand every step, but we can trust that God’s plan is greater than our own. He is working in our hearts and in the hearts of others, creating something far more beautiful than we can imagine. As you continue to use your SOAP journal, release the weight of past hurts, extend grace freely, and trust that God is writing a story of healing and restoration.
Don't know what the SOAP Method is?
SOAP is one of the primary ways to dive deep into scripture and get the most out of our time with the Word. If you don’t know what the SOAP method is, it stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer:
Scripture: Physically write out the Bible verse. When writing it down, you are most likely to memorize it and you’re opening up the chance for more to be revealed to through the written words.
Observation: What do you see in the verses you’re reading? Who is speaking? Do you see a theme or something that stands out to you?
Application: How can I apply this to my real life? This is where God’s Word becomes tangible through YOU. What is God saying to you? How can you become more like Him? Are there any changes you could make?
Prayer: Has God revealed something to you during this time that you need to confess OR thank Him for? Do not skip this step! There is power in prayer and this is a great way to complete your reading time.