When God Crosses His Hands: Joseph’s Guide to Escaping the Comparison Party

Ever been to a party you didn’t even want an invite to? But you’re there anyway.

Everyone else seems to have it all together — the perfect outfits, the perfect laughs, the perfect selfies. And there you are… standing by the punch, secretly thinking, Why do they get all the attention? Why am I always the invisible guest?

Welcome to the Comparison Party.

You’ve been there, I’ve been there — we’ve all been there.

The party where someone else’s blessing feels bigger, shinier, faster, or just… better than yours. 

And it’s exhausting.

But here’s the thing: God doesn’t bless by popularity, performance, or position. 

Nope. He blesses by purpose. 

And sometimes, He literally crosses His hands to show us that His favor doesn’t follow our social ranking.

Take a second. Close your eyes if you want. Picture God crossing His hands on your life.

Feels weird, right? But it’s intentional. It’s not a mistake. It’s proof that your blessing is exactly where it’s supposed to be — even if it looks upside down to everyone else.

Hey sis!

Welcome back to the podcast! I am so stinkin’ glad you’re here because we’re diving into another chapter in Joseph’s crazy story—and this one? Oof. It’s sneaky deep. Like, blink-and-you-miss-it type of deep.

Now, before we dive into today’s episode, I have to tell you something so good that it’s basically your early Christmas gift.

Literally Magazine is officially dropping its first issue in February 2026—and the preorder window is LIVE right now!But heads up: if you preorder before December 31st, you’ll get all six issues for just $72 (that’s $12 an issue).After that? It jumps to $15 per issue, so basically—this is your “text Mom, borrow her credit card, and call it a Christmas win” moment.

Because trust me—this magazine is going to be your new favorite thing to hit the mailbox.

Okay, now that your cart’s full of faith and fun—let’s get into today’s story.

Last week, we were deep in Genesis 47—and whew, that chapter was a masterclass in how God provides, protects, and positions us even when life looks like it’s falling apart.

Remember? Egypt was basically in survival mode. Famine everywhere. Food gone. Everyone panicking.

But then—boom—God steps in through Joseph’s leadership. While the Egyptians thought they were losing everything, God was quietly setting up a system that saved them and blessed Joseph’s family at the same time.

Like… talk about divine multitasking.

Joseph didn’t just hand out food; he handed out strategy.He provided for the people, protected their future, and positioned his family right in Goshen—prime real estate—so they could grow and thrive.

So last week, we learned:

🔹 God provides in the famine.

🔹 God protects in the chaos.

🔹 God positions for the future.

Even when life feels messy, unfair, or totally out of your control, God’s still weaving things together in ways you can’t see yet. Sometimes, though, we need a little…side hustle to survive the chaos—just for fun, not always productive, definitely dramatic.

Cue…Funny Confessions—aka the weird, hilarious ways we cope when life’s spinning out faster than our group chat notifications. Yep, it’s that moment in the episode. If you’re new here, this is our official “pause, laugh, and admit we’re slightly unhinged” segment—where we take a little detour, release some tension, and giggle at the absolutely absurd ways we cope. And trust me, this week’s batch?

So. Dang. Relatable.

Okay, confession time: You ever have an argument with someone—like a friend, your mom, or that one girl who said something slick—and then three hours later you’re in the shower like…“Oh, you know what I should’ve said?”

And suddenly… it’s on. You’re not just washing your hair—you’re stepping into your main character era.

The bathroom turns into The People’s Court: Teen Edition.

You’ve got a full-on audience of shampoo bottles, your conditioner is the judge, and your loofah? That’s your lawyer.

You’re pacing under the water like,“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, may I remind you that I was, in fact… RIGHT.”You drop imaginary evidence, make dramatic eye contact with the soap dispenser, and give your most passionate closing statement like you’re arguing for world peace.

The water’s steaming, your hair’s a mess, your playlist is on shuffle—and somehow, the perfect Taylor Swift bridge drops right as you’re winning your case. You’re like, “SEE, EVEN TAYLOR AGREES WITH ME!”

By the time you get out, your skin’s pruney but your confidence? Sky high.Justice. Has. Been. Served.

Only problem?

No one actually heard your epic speech. No witnesses. No applause. Just you, a fluffy towel, and your reflection like, “Okay… but if I had said that in real life, I would’ve ended the argument. Like—mic drop. Done.”

And then you grab your hairbrush like it’s a microphone and whisper to yourself, “Your honor… I rest my case.”

Because honestly?

Who needs therapy when you’ve got hot water, fake court, and a dramatic monologue that healed your soul?

Alright, now that we’ve fully processed our shower courtroom victories and leveled up our emotional coping skills…let’s shift gears and get back to Joseph’s story.

If you haven’t already, grab your Bible—or your Bible app—and turn with me to Genesis 48. That’s where we’re going to zoom in on one of the most surprising, “wait…what?!” moments in all of Joseph’s story.

Today, we’re talking about Jacob crossing his hands in blessing—yes, literally switching things up in a way that would make anyone do a double take.

We’re going to read Genesis 48:8–20 in the (NIRV) version because these verses perfectly set up our theme for today: God’s blessings don’t follow the world’s rules—they follow His purposes. 

Alright, now grab your fav snack and settle in—because these verses are a bit of a marathon, but trust me, every word is worth it! 

Genesis 48:8–20 (NIRV)

8 Jacob’s eyes were getting weak from old age. He could hardly see. So Joseph brought his two sons to him. Ephraim was the younger, and Manasseh was the older. Joseph put the boys in front of Jacob.

9 Jacob said to Joseph, “Who are these?”

10 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons. God gave them to me here in Egypt.” Jacob said, “Bring them to me so I can bless them.”

11 But Israel’s eyes were weak, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to him, and Jacob kissed them.

12 Then Jacob said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again. And now God has let me see your children too.”

13 Joseph brought them from his knees up to his father. Jacob put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, guiding his hands to bless them.

14 But Joseph tried to move his father’s hands. He said, “No, my father. This is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”

15 But his father refused. “I know, my son. I know. He too will become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than him. I will bless him, too.”

16 So Jacob blessed them that day. He said, “In the future your descendants will become a great people. They will multiply greatly on the earth.”

17 Then he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.

18 Joseph saw that his father put his right hand on the younger’s head. He was not happy about it. So he took his father’s hand and moved it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s.

19 But Jacob said, “I know, my son. I know. He too will become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than him. I will bless him too. And he will become a group of nations.”

20 So Jacob blessed Joseph that day. He said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked—God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day—Angel of God who has saved me from all evil—bless these boys. May my name live in them. And may the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac continue in them. May they grow into a mighty nation on the earth.”

Whew! Okay, sis… that was a lot of scripture, right? Your brain might be feeling like it just ran a mental obstacle course while juggling flaming torches—and yes, I know it’s only verses, but some of these passages can feel like reading the instructions to a rocket ship.

Stick with me though, because what just happened here? Absolutely epic.

Picture this with me: Jacob, old, nearly blind, probably squinting at Joseph and thinking, “Wait…is that you? Or my sock?” He’s leaning on his cane, muttering, “This better be good…” But here’s the thing—despite his eyesight, every single move Jacob makes is laser-focused. Every word he says, every hand placement… intentional.

Now, here’s the context you totally need: back then, blessings were serious business. They weren’t just “good luck.” The firstborn son traditionally got the right-hand blessing, which was basically a VIP pass in life—authority, leadership, the big inheritance. The younger son? Usually the left hand—less honor, less recognition, basically “you’ll follow your brother’s lead.” It was cultural, it was expected, it was… totally orthodox.

So when Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh—the firstborn—and Ephraim—the younger—he does what everyone expects. Manasseh gets the right hand, Ephraim the left. Everything looks normal… until Jacob does the plot twist we’re all here for. He crosses his hands. Yep, right hand on the younger, left on the firstborn. And Joseph? Classic side-eye moment: “Dad…are you serious?! That’s backwards! Are you feeling okay?”

But Jacob isn’t guessing. He’s on God’s wavelength. The move looks upside down to everyone else, but it’s actually perfectly aligned with God’s plan. Pure divine choreography.

Just like God’s blessing doesn’t follow social rules back then, your opportunities, gifts, and favor today don’t follow popularity, likes, or timing either.

So, what can we actually pull from this? Here are three golden truths that hit differently when you imagine them in your own life:

1️⃣ God’s plan isn’t always what we expect.Sometimes the quiet kid in class ends up leading the team. Sometimes the “invisible” group chat member suddenly becomes the MVP. Just because it looks upside down to the world doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, it’s probably exactly right.

2️⃣ Favor is about purpose, not popularity.Ephraim wasn’t first in anyone else’s eyes. He wasn’t the oldest, the loudest, or the most obvious choice—but God’s blessing for him? Way bigger than any title, award, or Instagram-worthy highlight reel. Your blessing doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. Even if your friends, your parents, or your group chat don’t get it, God sees the bigger picture—and He’s writing a story just for you.

3️⃣ Intentionality matters, even when you can’t see everything.Jacob couldn’t see the future—or even the room properly—but he prayed, reflected, and moved with purpose. You might feel like life is upside down, confusing, or flat-out unfair. But the small, intentional choices you make—kindness, integrity, prayer, staying true to your values—are lining you up with God’s bigger plan. Every choice matters.

Take a second. Picture it: Jacob, hands crossed, squinting, smiling, fully confident that God’s plan is on track. That’s a little like you. Life might feel upside down, your friends might get the spotlight you wanted, and your highlight reel might feel empty—but God sees the full board. He’s moving pieces you don’t even know exist yet.

And here’s the part that makes your heart go, “Ohhhh…” This story? It’s not just about Joseph or Ephraim. It’s about you. God’s blessing over your life isn’t determined by who gets the applause, the followers, or the awards. It’s determined by purpose. And even when it looks upside down to the world, His plan is perfect.

So, quick recap before we move into how this actually plays out in our teen lives today:

• God’s plan isn’t always what we expect. Be ready for surprises—sometimes the “last in line” ends up first.

• Favor is about purpose, not popularity. Your blessing isn’t a competition.

• Intentionality matters, even when you can’t see everything. Small choices now make a big impact later.

And the exciting part? Next, we’re going to take these truths out of the Bible and drop them into real-life teen scenarios—because who wants lessons that stay in the pages of an old book? Not us. We’re taking God’s upside-down, cross-your-hands blessing and learning how to spot it in friendships, school, family, and even social media.

From Crossed Hands to Your Life: Escaping the Comparison Party

Okay, sis, now that we’ve marinated in Jacob’s hands-crossed moment—and hopefully had a few mental high-fives for Ephraim—let’s bring this down to earth.

Let’s talk about you, your life, and that tricky little party you’re probably invited to every day: the Comparison Party.

Here’s the deal: Comparison is sneaky. It doesn’t always look like Instagram reels or TikTok dances (though yes, those are part of it). It can creep in anywhere:

• When your best friend gets the lead in the play you auditioned for.

  
  

• When your little sister seems to get all the praise for things you’ve worked so hard on.

  
  

• When someone in your class gets chosen for a team or opportunity you wanted.

  
  

• When your crush notices someone else—or even just acts cooler than you in the cafeteria.

  
  

And the trap? Comparison makes you think God’s blessings are a “first-come, first-serve” system. Like, if someone else gets the spotlight, that means your blessing got lost somewhere in the crowd. But remember Jacob. God crosses His hands for a reason—He’s not bound by human ranking, popularity contests, or who’s “first.” He blesses by purpose.

So how do you actually apply this in your daily life when your brain starts whispering, “She got it, so I can’t have it”? Let’s make it practical, shall we?

1️⃣ Reframe the “Loss” Moments

Scripture tie-in: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.” — Romans 8:28

Scenario: You didn’t make the team, or someone else got the recognition you were hoping for. Ouch.

Application: Instead of letting jealousy or frustration take over, ask yourself, “What could God be doing in this situation that I don’t see yet?” Maybe He’s giving you space to grow your skills, discover a hidden talent, or prepare for a bigger opportunity. Sometimes the blessing you want isn’t the blessing you need—at least not yet.

2️⃣ Celebrate Others Without Losing Yourself

Scripture tie-in: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” — Proverbs 14:30

Scenario: Your friend aces the test you studied hard for. Your stomach twists. Ugh.

Application: Here’s the tricky but freeing part—you can celebrate their win AND still believe in your own path. 

Your blessing doesn’t disappear just because someone else shines. God has something unique for you. Practice saying quietly, “God, I see Your blessing in them—and I trust You’ve got mine too.” Peace comes when you stop stacking your worth against someone else’s highlight reel.

3️⃣ Focus on Your Purpose, Not Their Path

Scripture tie-in: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t depend on your own understanding. In all your ways think about Him, and He will guide your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Scenario: You see someone excelling in a club, sport, or hobby you’ve tried and felt left behind.

Application: Shift your focus from “Why them?” to “What is my next right step?” God cares more about how intentional and faithful you are with what’s in front of you than how fast you climb the ladder of comparison. He’s lining up your blessing in the right place, at the right time, just like He did with Ephraim.

4️⃣ Make Small, Daily Choices That Reflect Faith

Scenario: You’re tempted to talk down your own efforts or stew in envy.

Application: Choose to pray, encourage, or act kindly instead. Journal a small gratitude list for what God has placed in your life. Notice your own gifts—even the tiny ones. Those intentional steps build a track record of trusting God’s plan, even when it looks upside down to the world.

Quick Brain Check:

Ask yourself:

• Am I measuring my blessing against someone else’s?

  
  

• Am I forgetting that God’s plan is bigger than popularity, talent, or timing?

• What small, intentional step can I take today to align with God’s purpose for me?

Remember: the “Comparison Party” is everywhere—but you don’t have to RSVP. You can step out, stop counting others’ blessings, and trust that God’s crossed hands over your life are perfectly intentional. You are seen. You are loved. You are exactly where He wants you.

Closing Prayer for the Comparison Party

“God, thank You that You bless by purpose, not by popularity or position. Help me to stop comparing myself to others and trust that You see me, You love me, and You are writing a story just for me. Teach me to celebrate others without envy, focus on my own path, and make choices that line me up with Your plan. Cross Your hands over my heart and remind me that my blessings are exactly where they should be. Amen.”

Alright, fam—let’s wrap this up strong.

First—Literally Magazine! The preorder is officially live, and if you grab all six issues before December 31st, it’s just $72. That’s faith, fun, and girl-powered goodness delivered straight to your mailbox every other month. Don’t wait—your future self will thank you.

Next—if you haven’t heard yet, FR, Let’s Talk is officially a nonprofit, which means when you choose to partner financially with me—even $20 a month—you’re directly helping this mission happen.

Your support: A️.) Keeps the podcast rolling, so truth and encouragement can drop in earbuds around the world. B️.) Holds open our safe space online, where girls can ask real questions without fear of judgment. C️.) Fuels free resources, coaching, and events that plant seeds of faith in the next generation.

Every donation, big or small, literally keeps the podcast episodes dropping, the magazine coming to mailboxes, and free resources flowing for girls who need them most.  It also makes it possible for me to invest personally in girls’ lives through coaching.

That’s why I’m so excited to share that FRwd: Coaching for Teen Girls is opening again January 8th, 2026. This year, I’m devoting every Thursday to one-on-one coaching, and my spots are filling up fast—there are only 3 spots left! FRwd is a one-on-one, faith-based program to help girls process life, grow spiritually, and step boldly into the person God made them to be.

If that’s calling your name, grab your mom or guardian and head to the website to see if coaching is a fit.

And here’s the final takeaway for today: stay in your lane. God’s blessings don’t follow the crowd. Comparison is a thief. Your story is yours alone. Focus on your purpose, your pace, and your path forward—because THAT is where God moves in ways that the world can’t see!