We just started a series at GENERATION 24/7 on Sundays called FEARLESS
about the fearless characters in the Bible. I am posting my simple notes for Joseph. I hope they encourage you.
Joseph was fearless in the face of God's favor (which didn't look like favor it looked like trial) in three different situations
Situation #1: Being sold into Slavery
Genesis 37:28 20 He was sold for twenty shekels of silver about $3500-$4,000 current value which would have split ten ways between ten brothers into about $400 per brother! Pretty sketchy of brothers to sell your little brother for $400. I know sometimes you might want to get rid of a sibling but aren't they maybe worth more to you than your XBOX 360? Wait don't answer that.
When you think of slavery what do you think of? I think of Amistad and the horror that slaves went through. This must have not been very fun for Joseph, but He endured through and God turned it into favor
Situation #2: Becoming slave to Potiphar
Genesis 37:36 Sold to Potiphar
Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man (still a slave). And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian
Genesis 39:4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.
As you see, Joseph became very successful, but notice how this came about. It wasn't because Joseph was "Ridiculously gooooood loooooking" (shameless Zoolander line dropping) but because "The Lord was with Joseph". As Romans 8:28 says God was turning this for Joseph's good and God's glory.
Situation #3: Being thrown into prison
Genesis 39:21-23 "But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailor...and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper"
He was thrown into prison so that he could become second in command in Egypt and save Gods people
Genesis 45:1-9 Joseph says to his brothers "you meant this for evil, but God meant it for good". God turned the life of Joseph around for good
Situation #3: Being thrown into prison
Genesis 39:21-23 "But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailor...and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper"
He was thrown into prison so that he could become second in command in Egypt and save Gods people
Genesis 45:1-9 Joseph says to his brothers "you meant this for evil, but God meant it for good". God turned the life of Joseph around for good
What are the areas where God is giving you favor, but it might not look like favor at the moment. In fact it might look like a trial, difficulty, or temptation. Know that God is "turning all things for your good and His glory to all who are called according to His purposes". Trust him through the trial until he gives you victory like he gave Joseph.
brother, this is helpful. i love "it didn't look like favor, it looked like trial." thanks for the encouragement!
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