“Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion; therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.”

— Isaiah 61:7

Joseph and his garments always made headlines back then.

He was his daddy’s favorite — tenderly loved and extra pampered, especially because he had lost his mother at a very young age.

Daddy Jacob displayed his favoritism by making him a colorful coat — the famous “coat of many colors.” That beautiful garment became the icing on the cake for sibling rivalry.

Poor, innocent Joseph didn’t mean to show off. He was simply expressing the joy of wearing a uniquely designed and fashioned garment made by his father. But his brothers misunderstood his happiness. He was just a young boy, thrilled about his new clothes.

Jealousy soon took over. His brothers plotted to kill him, but a twist of mercy came through his older brother Reuben, who persuaded them instead to sell Joseph to Egyptian traders as a slave.

Before being thrown into the pit, Joseph’s flashy coat was stripped off him. Later, his brothers deceived their father by sprinkling animal blood on the coat and lying that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. Jacob was heartbroken.

But the story didn’t end there.

The “curse of the garment” seemed to follow Joseph, yet through it all, God’s favor never left him. Over time, the slave boy became the overseer of Potiphar’s household. He was given a garment of authority — far greater than the one he had lost.

When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, she held onto his garment, but Joseph chose righteousness over sin. He left his garment in her hands and fled. Once again, lies about his garment sent him to prison.

Still, the Lord was with Joseph.

And when the time came for God to exalt him, nothing could stop his transition from prison garments to royal robes.

The garments once marked by shame, betrayal, and loss became symbols of dignity, restoration, and divine promotion.

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’ Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.”

— Genesis 41:41–42

Likewise, God’s blessings over your life may not always be accepted or celebrated by those around you.

Sometimes, your favor becomes too “flashy” in their eyes.

People may judge, envy, or even conspire against you — trying to strip you of your reputation or peace.

You may find yourself in seasons of loss, uncertainty, or setback, wondering if your blessing was ever real. But remember — every garment Joseph lost became a setup for a greater garment ahead.

Every time you are stripped, God is preparing to clothe you with something better.

Your pit, your slavery, and even your prison can still be places of fruitfulness when God’s hand is upon you.

People may only see your backward movement, but God sees the launch.

The greater the setback, the higher the promotion.

So be encouraged — the colorful garment must be taken away so that there’s room for your royal robe.

In Scripture, God never takes away something and returns it the same way.

When a situation is given into His able and mighty hands, things are handled and handed back differently.

Instead of shame, you shall receive a double portion.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the story of Joseph — a reminder that every loss and every stripping has a divine purpose. When life feels unfair or painful, help me to trust that You are preparing a greater garment of honor for me. May Your favor rest upon me and turn every season of shame into a testimony of Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.