Your Story = Someone’s Breakthrough: How God Uses Your Healing Like He Did with Joseph

What if the part of your story you’re most embarrassed about… the season that nearly broke you… is actually the key to unlocking someone else’s breakthrough? I mean, sis—what if the very thing you tried to hide is the thing God wants to highlight?

What if your lowest point—the messy, not-so-Instagrammable moment—is actually the place where God wants to show off His power the most? Because today, we’re diving into Genesis 41, and trust me, Joseph’s story is about to blow your mind. Let’s talk dreams, delays, and divine setups, because girl... this chapter is stacked. 

Let’s dive in HEAD FIRST!

Hey hey hey! What’s is up my beautiful people — and welcome back to FR, Let’s Talk — the podcast where we keep it real, keep it rooted in God’s Word, and always leave space for a little laughter (because life is too short to be serious all the time).

If you're one of my lifers—girl, you already know this space is your home. I'm so glad you're here again. And if today is your first time listening, welcome! You just stepped into a sisterhood where we grow together, mess up together, heal together, and discover who we are in Jesus… together.

This podcast is like the group chat you didn’t know you needed—faith-filled, no filters, and always honest. So grab your iced coffee or your hot tea—whichever vibe you’re on today—and let’s go deep! 

Okay, today we’re continuing our journey with our boy Joseph—we’ve walked with him through his dreams, the betrayal, the pit, and prison. And now? Now, the story shifts. 

In Genesis 41, Joseph goes from being locked up… to being lifted up.

But not because he chased power. 

Not because he had a glow-up. 

Not even because he finally "got it together." 

No—he gets pulled out of prison because of something God planted in him long ago… and because of what he endured.

On today’s episode we’re going to unpack:

• How your story—yes, even the painful, messy parts—can help someone else

• Why God never wastes a season (even when it feels like a dead-end)

• And how healing is never just for you… it’s meant to ripple out to others.

Okay, you probably already know what I’m about to say… but I’m gonna say it anyway: I’d really love for you to read the whole chapter of Genesis 41. Go ahead, it’s worth it. But for today, we’re zooming in on verses 9–14—a small section, but huge in impact. 

This is the turning point in Joseph’s story.

Now, if you don’t have your Bible handy, hit pause and go grab it—I’ll wait. While you’re doing that, let’s set the scene with one of my favorite parts of the week: funny confessions.

If you’re new here, welcome! This is our little corner of chaos—a judgment-free zone where we laugh at ourselves and share the weird, wonderful ways we cope with life. 

Because let’s be honest… sometimes life just be lifing, right?

And when it does, we all have our quirks.

So here’s mine for this week…

I’ve recently discovered that when life feels out of control, I try to "reset" my life by—wait for it—color-coding my Google Calendar like it's gonna solve world peace.

Like, sis… why does picking the perfect shade of pastel green for my “Quiet Time” block make me feel like I’m spiritually organized??

And don’t even get me started on the “pink = social,” “blue = work,” “yellow = mental health” breakdown. Like I’m out here trying to control chaos with HEX codes.

Is it efficient? Not really.

Therapeutic? Weirdly, yes.

Do I still miss half the events I color-coded? Also yes. 

But you know what? We all have our “fix it” moments. And hey, if color-coded delusion helps you breathe for a second, I say lean in.

Now I know I’m not the only one with a coping habit that makes no sense. So if you’ve got a Funny Confession to share, hit me up on IG @FR_Lets_Talk or text me—I may just share yours in next week’s episode.

Alright, let’s breathe for a second and shift our hearts to the Word.

Today’s scripture is from Genesis 41:9–14 in the (NIV) translation — let’s read it together:

9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.

10 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard.

11 Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream.

13 And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was impaled.”

14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.

Okay, so we’ve read the scripture… but what does this really mean for us? Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on here with Joseph—and more importantly, what God is trying to say to us through his story.

Because this isn’t just about Joseph going from prison to palace—it’s about you going from pain to purpose. Let’s unpack this together.

1. Start seeing your pain as preparation.

   What you went through wasn’t random. God’s been building something in you.

   
   

2. Be willing to speak about where God met you.

   Whether it was anxiety, rejection, identity confusion, or even just a lonely season—someone needs your voice.

   
   

3. Use your pain as a bridge.

   That “thing” you thought disqualified you? It might be the exact thing that qualifies you to reach someone else.

   
   

Now, let’s go a little deeper. 

1. How your story—yes, even the painful, messy parts—can help someone else

Sometimes, we look at our story and think: "Nobody would understand this." Or worse, "If they knew what I went through, they’d think less of me."

But sis, let me flip that:

What if the very thing you think disqualifies you, is the exact thing God wants to use to reach someone else?

That breakup? That secret you’ve never told anyone? That season of anxiety that felt like it would never end? Someone else is walking through that right now, and they’re desperate for proof that they’ll survive it.

Your story is proof. 

Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re still here. 

That’s why Revelation 12:11 says:

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”

It doesn’t say they overcame by getting it all right—it says they overcame by sharing what God has done.

Every time you share what you’ve been through, you shine a light for someone who’s still in the dark.

2. Why God never wastes a season—even when it feels like a dead end

Joseph sat in prison for years. Not days. Not months. Years. Forgotten. Overlooked. Uninvited.

And yet, God didn’t waste a single moment. All that time in the dark? God was growing something in him.

Sometimes when you feel like nothing is happening—when it feels like everyone else is being chosen, promoted, seen—God is actually preparing you privately for something He’ll reveal publicly.

Romans 8:28 tells us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Not some things. Not just the pretty parts. ALL things.

That means your awkward phase, your panic attacks, your family drama, your silent nights when you cried on your pillow—He is using all of it.

What feels wasted to you is being woven into purpose by God.

3. How healing is never just for you—it’s meant to ripple out to others

Let’s get really honest: sharing your healing story feels terrifying. Especially when you’re young. Especially when you’re still in the thick of healing.

You may think: "Who wants to hear this?" or "I'm still figuring it out."

But can I tell you something radical? You don’t have to be completely healed to help someone else heal.

Healing isn’t a destination. It’s a journey.

And along the way, your vulnerability—your realness—has power.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says:

“…He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we received from God.”

God’s comfort is meant to travel.

Think of your healing like a candle. It lights another. Then another. Then another.

But if you hide the flame because you’re scared of being seen? Someone else stays in the dark.

So yes, healing is for you—but it’s also for the girl who’s silently scrolling through Instagram hoping someone posts something that makes her feel less alone.

It’s for your friend who smiles at school but cries at home.

Your story is someone else’s survival guide.

Whew. That’s a lot, I know. But this is the stuff that changes us.

And changes me. Listen, I don’t just say all this because it sounds good. I say it because… I’ve lived it.

Can I be real with you for a second?

There’s a part of my story I used to be deeply ashamed of. Something I never wanted to talk about—to family, to friends, to peers or strangers… and especially not on a podcast. But God kept nudging me, in all of those situations… like… “You’re not the only one. Someone needs this.”

The truth is, I’ve struggled with a shopping addiction, for YEARS. 

Now I know that might sound random or even silly, but it was so much deeper than just loving clothes or cute things. It started back in college—after I walked through a trauma that wrecked me emotionally. I didn’t know how to process it. I didn’t talk about it. I just shoved it down and tried to keep going.

And what did I turn to? Shopping.

Because if I could just look like I had it all together… if I wore the cute outfit, had the right bag, looked like I was “fine”—then maybe no one would ask what was really going on.

I spent money I didn’t have. Ran up credit cards. Told myself lies like, “This will make me feel better” or “I deserve this.” But deep down, I was falling apart—and the shame only grew.

And even after God started healing me, I didn’t talk about it for years. I felt weak. Embarrassed.

Like I should’ve been stronger.

But God kept whispering: “Your story isn’t shameful—it’s useful.”

And eventually, I realized—this addiction wasn’t the end of my story. 

It was a part of the journey. 

And once I started sharing it? People came out of the woodwork.

“I thought I was the only one.”“I spend money just to cope too.”“I’m carrying secret debt and secret pain.”

Sis, your story—even the one you’re scared to tell—can be the key to unlocking healing for someone else.

And no, you don’t have to be fully healed to start speaking. Your “in progress” story still carries power.

Okay… now let’s talk about what this looks like in your actual, everyday life.

So now that we’ve broken it down spiritually, let’s bring it home practically. 

Because I know some of you are like, “Okay cool, but how do I live this out at school? With my friends? In real life?”

Let’s make this make sense in your everyday world.

So how do we actually live this out? 

Like…what does “your pain can be a platform” or “my story could be someone else’s breakthrough”… even look like when you're just trying to survive Monday morning, finish that math test, and navigate group texts without spiraling?

Let me walk you through a few real scenarios to help this hit where it needs to hit—your real life.

Scenario 1: The Friend Who’s Quiet Lately

Maybe one of your besties has been distant. She’s not texting back as fast. She’s quiet at lunch. Something’s clearly off.

You’ve been through a season like that—you remember what that silence feels like.

What if you gently pulled her aside and said, “Hey, I’ve been where you are. And I didn’t know how to talk about it either. But I’m here. For real.”

That sis, is your pain becoming a platform.

Scenario 2: Group Chat Gets Real

The group chat is popping off—someone's going through a breakup, or a parent situation.

You’ve been through it too, but you hesitate. You don’t want to seem dramatic.

But maybe you speak up and say, “I’ve walked through something similar—and God really showed up for me in the mess.”

That one comment could open a door to a whole healing convo.

Scenario 3: You’re Asked to Share at Youth Group

They ask you to share a 2-minute testimony or lead prayer. You panic: “I’m not spiritual enough.”

But what if you just told the truth? “I used to think I had to be perfect for God to love me, but I’ve learned He loves me in my mess.”

That honesty? That’s leadership. That’s healing on display.

See? It’s not just about what happened to Joseph—it’s about what’s happening with you.God isn’t waiting for you to grow up, glow up, or get it all together. 

He’s ready to use your story right where you are, in the halls of your school, in your friend circles, even in your journal.

Reflection Questions: 

So yeah, it’s one thing to hear it—but it’s another thing to live it. 

And if we’re being honest, most of us need time and space to figure out what this actually means in our own story.

That’s why I want to give you a few reflection questions—not to check a box or write the “right” answers—but to sit with. Journal through. Maybe talk through with your mentor, small group, or that one friend who just gets you.

Because sometimes God reveals the most when we actually slow down and ask ourselves the real questions.

1. What part of your story feels too messy or painful to share right now? Be real with yourself—what are you still carrying in silence? Is it a season of anxiety you never told anyone about?

Is it something at home that still feels too raw?You don’t need to post it on Instagram or stand on a stage with it, but start by getting honest with you and with God. Maybe even write it down in a journal—nobody else has to read it, but sometimes the first step to healing is simply naming what hurt.

2. Who do you think could benefit from your testimony—even the unfinished parts? Picture her. That friend who’s been acting off lately. The girl in your youth group who doesn’t speak up much. Maybe it’s even your younger sibling.

Think about how powerful it could be for them to hear: “Hey, I’ve walked through something similar.”

You don’t have to be a pastor or a therapist—just be real. Your “me too” might be what keeps someone else from giving up.

3. What’s one small step you can take this week to turn your pain into a platform?

Maybe it’s texting a friend and asking how they’re really doing.

Maybe it’s praying, “God, show me one person I can encourage this week.”

Maybe it’s saying yes to sharing your story at small group, or finally opening up to your mentor. It doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be honest.

Wherever you are on the journey—whether you're still in the middle of the healing, or just starting to peek your head out of the pain—your story still carries weight.

Don’t rush the process. But don’t hide from it either. God is shaping something powerful in you—not just for you, but through you, for others too.

Sis, this is your reminder: you are not just surviving. You’re carrying healing that someone else needs.

I don’t care how messy your story is, how awkward your middle school phase was, or how broken your family feels—God is using all of it.

But He needs you to show up. To speak up. To stop shrinking back in insecurity and step up in boldness.

You are not too young. You are not too late. And you are not too broken to be used by God.

So this week, do one bold thing. 

Share your story. 

Ask someone how they’re really doing. 

Step into the light.

Before we go, let me speak this prayer over you:

God,

I thank You for the girl listening right now.

I speak courage over her voice.

May every lie that tells her she’s not enough be silenced by Your truth.

I pray for divine confidence to rise in her—not arrogance, but holy confidence that comes from knowing who she is in You.

Lord, help her to see that her story has value, that her healing has weight, and that her pain has purpose.

May she walk boldly into rooms where You’ve already prepared hearts to hear her voice.

And when fear tells her to shrink back, remind her she was made to stand up.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Okay, bestie. If this episode hit your heart, made you laugh, made you tear up—or even made you side-eye your cereal like, “Am I healing or am I spiraling?”—then don’t keep it to yourself.

Leave a review—like, actually. 

Type a few words and slap those five stars on it. It helps more girls find this space, and I read every single one.

Send this episode to a friend who needs a little reminder that their pain has purpose. You never know whose healing could start with your text.

AND... girl. The website’s been real quiet lately. Like, crickets. WHERE ARE Y’ALL?Go to www.frletstalk.com and drop me any burning question you’ve got—about faith, friendships, drama, identity, boys, all of it. 

I’m dying to do some bonus Q&A episodes but your girl can’t read minds! Or DM me. Or text me. I’m not picky, just curious.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter—where all the unicorns live. No, seriously. It’s where the behind-the-scenes, extra encouragement, and messy middle moments get shared. Trust me —you want in.

That’s it for this week, fam. 

Remember—your story doesn’t have to be finished to be powerful. 

Even your in-progress moments have purpose. So stop waiting for perfect. 

Start sharing what’s real. 

Someone’s breakthrough might just be on the other side of your bravery.

I love y’all big. See you next week.

And until then—keep healing, keep laughing, and FR… let’s talk.