Joseph

For when life isn’t turning out the way you planned… 


“Don’t give up on your dreams.”


(Genesis 37:5-7, 19-20) Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. 

He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” 


“Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. “Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.” 


DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS… 


1. Even if you didn’t start off well. 


(1 Timothy 1:12-13) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 


2. Even if those closest don’t support you. 



(Mark 6:3-4) “Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 



3. Even if your journey is full of surprises. 


(Romans 8:28) 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. 


4. Even if it takes a long time to realize it. 



(Habakkuk 2:3 LB) “These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” 


FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT 


 “Focus on what happens in you not to you.” 


(James 1:2-3) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 


 “Your response to offense determines your future.” 


(Genesis 50:20-21) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” 


 “Every dream has tough times, but remember God is always with you.” 


(Psalm 139:8-10) If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  


Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands 

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/joseph
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/files/groups/guides/3-5-12.pdf