Hope in Intolerable Situations
– The Providence of God
Series: How God Deepens Our Hope: Joseph and His Brothers
Genesis 50:15-21
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13
TRUSTING IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE MEANS WE
1. ACTIVELY HONOR GOD’S SOVEREIGNITY (vs. 17-19)
17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
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
6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. 7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles, and he exalts. 1 Samuel 2:6-7
13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
2. AVOID HATRED FOR GOD’S SATISFACTION
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-19, 21
3. ALWAYS HOPE IN GOD’S SALVATION (vs. 20)
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
4. ALLOW HEALING FOR GOD’S SAKE (vs. 21)
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph.4:32
