Resilient: The Story of Joseph Part 1: How God is at Work in Your Life

Resilient: The Story of Joseph

Part 1: How God is at Work in Your Life

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Genesis 50:20

Question: Do you think that God is involved in the intimate details of your life?

– the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth. 2. God, directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence. 3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Resilient – Marked by the ability to , as from misfortune.

Joseph’s story reveals how incredibly big our God really is… He is in your life even when it seems like that can’t be possible.

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:15-21 (NIV)

Our God is a BIG God and He is always at work for your and for His !

28 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. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Joseph’s family was a , but God helped him overcome it.

Joseph’s life was a roller coaster of ups and downs, yet God continued to .

Joseph’s Life in Perspective…. 

Genesis 1-11 focuses on four great events: 

• Creation
• Fall
• Flood
• Tower

Genesis 12-50 focuses on four great men: 

• Abraham
• Isaac
• Jacob
• Joseph

Joseph has been described as the “hinge” that connects Genesis (the Book of ) with Exodus (the Book of ).

What life lessons can we learn from Joseph’s story? 

• Trusting God when in you’re in the pit of despair.
• How to battle and beat sexual temptation.
• How to redeem a painful past.
• What to do while you wait.
• How to see God’s providential hand in all things.
• How to make wise plans.
• How God awakens a guilty conscience.
• The marks of true repentance.
• How to live for God in a pagan culture.
• How to overcome lingering bitterness.
• How to die well.

Where does Joseph’s life ultimately point us? 

Joseph’s story points us to .

Some parallels between Joseph’s life and Jesus’ life…. 

• Loved dearly by his .
• Betrayed by his brothers.
• Sold for .
• Accused falsely.
• Judged of a crime he did not commit.
• Abandoned and forgotten.
• after his suffering.
• Provided the means of salvation for those who betrayed him.

Key Take-Aways Today…

1.God is and in !

28 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. Romans 8:28

3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Acts 9:3 (NIV)

6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:6-7 (NIV)

21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” Luke 22:21-22

2.God has a in view for you!

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus… 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 1:6;2:13 (NIV)

3. God is even when you’re !

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Worship Song List

The Joy

Good Plans

Worthy of It All

A Thousand Ways (Faithful God)