1. Has this year taken away your hope in God’s promises?
2. Like Joseph, will you leave the past and look forward to the promises of God?
3. Do you have the assurance that God holds your future in his hands?

    

1. Can you see in this past year where God meant all of what you went through for good?

Note: Eph. 1:11; Psa. 135:1-6; Isa. 46:9-11NIV

At the end of Joseph’s life, he took steps to demonstrate God’s province in his family and life.

Step #1 Release the Past (vs. 15-19)

His brothers were afraid that he secretly hated them.

Note: Gen. 37:31-35 NIV (This family was known by its lies)

Note: vs. 17 Joseph wept

• Either because of their lies (again) or that they misunderstood his heart

Hurt goes deep!

Forgiveness is a choice!

Lesson: Ephesians 4:29-32; Romans 12:17-21 NIV

Step #2 Remember God’s Providence (20-21)

Note: vs. 19 “Am I God?” (he kind of was in Egypt)

Joseph knew the true power of his position, God

• But he did have one power that he could exercise…he could forgive

Thought: Joseph didn’t pretend that nothing happened

Joseph knew full well hatred, loss, disappointment, scorn and shame, fear and hopelessness, loneliness and separation.

But he also knew that God had used it all for a divine purpose.

• His life saved others
• The brothers are saved (and their families)
• Jacob is encouraged

God had used the worst of times to bring about the best of times.

Note: 1 Peter 5:6-11 NIV

Step #3 Be reassured of God’s Promises (22-26)

Note: Genesis 46:1-4 NIV

Joseph died believing in the promise.(he passed that promise along to his family)

We have a promise given to us in the scriptures.

• John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 2 Tim. 4:6-8

Joseph was ready to die.

• Ready to experience God’s promises and he knew death wasn’t the end