Choosing Response: The Superpower of Resilience
Summary
In life, we often admire those who have faced adversity with grace and resilience. These individuals possess a unique power, a "superpower," that enables them to respond to life's challenges in a way that transforms their circumstances and themselves. This superpower is not exclusive to a select few; it is the ability to choose our response rather than simply react to what life throws at us. This ability, our "respond ability," is what allows us to be better for the trials we endure.
Reflecting on the story of Joseph from the Old Testament, we see a profound example of this superpower in action. Joseph, despite being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, consistently chose to respond as if God was with him. His story illustrates the power of a measured response, one that defies natural inclinations and expectations. Joseph's ability to respond rather than react not only preserved his sanity but also reversed the course of his life and the lives of those around him.
Joseph's journey teaches us that our responses to adversity can shape our destiny and legacy. When we react, we often mirror our circumstances, relinquishing control over our lives. However, when we respond thoughtfully, we maintain control and open ourselves to the possibility of redemption and transformation. Joseph's story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is with us, working through our circumstances for a greater purpose.
The challenge for each of us is to ask, "How would someone in my circumstances respond if they were absolutely confident that God was with them?" This question invites us to exercise our superpower, to choose responses that reflect faith and trust in God's presence and plan. By doing so, we not only become better for our trials but also contribute to a greater story of redemption and hope.
Key Takeaways:
- Our "respond ability" is a superpower that allows us to choose our response to adversity, rather than simply reacting. This choice can transform our circumstances and ourselves, enabling us to be better for the challenges we face. [02:04]
- Joseph's story exemplifies the power of a measured response. Despite being betrayed and unjustly treated, he consistently chose to respond as if God was with him, ultimately leading to his redemption and the salvation of many. [04:33]
- When we respond with faith and trust in God's presence, we gain a perspective on our circumstances that we cannot achieve through reaction alone. This perspective reveals God's plan and purpose in our suffering. [23:41]
- Our responses to adversity have the potential to shape our destiny and legacy. By choosing to respond thoughtfully, we maintain control over our lives and open ourselves to the possibility of redemption and transformation. [27:27]
- Asking ourselves how we would respond if we were confident that God was with us invites us to exercise our superpower. This question guides us toward responses that reflect faith and trust in God's presence and plan. [28:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Respect Through Adversity
[00:51] - The Series Conclusion
[01:47] - Our Superpower: Respond Ability
[03:11] - The Unnatural Response
[03:56] - Joseph's Story Begins
[05:15] - Joseph's Trials
[06:23] - God With Joseph in Prison
[09:09] - Dreams in the Dungeon
[10:26] - Joseph's Interpretation
[13:06] - The Butler Forgets Joseph
[14:29] - Pharaoh's Dreams
[16:16] - Joseph's Courageous Response
[17:32] - Joseph's Rise to Power
[19:24] - The Brothers Return
[21:53] - Joseph Reveals Himself
[23:41] - God's Plan in Suffering
[27:27] - The Power of Response
[29:42] - Conclusion: Use Your Superpower
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 39:1-23
- Genesis 45:1-8
- Genesis 50:15-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What were some of the key challenges Joseph faced throughout his life, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:48]
2. How did Joseph's response to adversity differ from what might be expected in such situations? [04:33]
3. According to the sermon, what role did Joseph's belief in God's presence play in his responses to his circumstances? [06:58]
4. How did Joseph's ability to respond rather than react impact his destiny and the lives of those around him? [27:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Joseph's story illustrate the concept of "respond ability" as a superpower? What does this suggest about the power of our own responses to adversity? [02:04]
2. In what ways did Joseph's responses to his circumstances reveal his faith and trust in God's plan? How might this apply to modern-day challenges? [23:41]
3. How does the question, "How would someone in my circumstances respond if they were absolutely confident that God was with them?" challenge individuals to rethink their approach to adversity? [28:15]
4. What does Joseph's story teach about the potential for redemption and transformation through thoughtful responses to life's challenges? [27:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might your response have been different if you were confident that God was with you? [28:34]
2. Identify a current situation where you are tempted to react rather than respond. What steps can you take to choose a measured response that reflects faith and trust in God's presence? [02:04]
3. Joseph's story shows that our responses can shape our destiny and legacy. What legacy do you want to leave, and how can your responses to adversity contribute to that legacy? [27:27]
4. Consider a time when you felt forgotten or overlooked, like Joseph in prison. How can you find hope and purpose in such situations, trusting that God has a plan? [13:57]
5. How can you practice "respond ability" in your daily interactions, especially with those who may have wronged you or treated you unfairly? [22:58]
6. Joseph's story is one of redemption and hope. How can you contribute to a greater story of redemption and hope in your community or family? [23:41]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God's presence in your life, especially during difficult times? [28:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Choice in Adversity
In life, we are often faced with challenges that test our resilience and character. The ability to choose our response, rather than simply reacting, is a profound power that can transform our circumstances and ourselves. This "respond ability" is a superpower that everyone possesses, allowing us to navigate adversity with grace and strength. By choosing how we respond, we can become better for the trials we face, rather than being defined by them. This choice is not always easy, but it is essential for personal growth and transformation. [02:04]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might choosing a different response have changed the outcome?
Day 2: Joseph's Measured Response
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a powerful example of the impact of a measured response. Despite being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph consistently chose to respond as if God was with him. His ability to respond thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively, not only preserved his sanity but also led to his eventual redemption and the salvation of many. Joseph's story teaches us that our responses to adversity can shape our destiny and legacy, and that even in the darkest moments, God is with us, working through our circumstances for a greater purpose. [04:33]
"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." (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt wronged or betrayed. How can you choose a response that reflects trust in God's presence and plan?
Day 3: Gaining Perspective Through Faith
When we respond to adversity with faith and trust in God's presence, we gain a perspective on our circumstances that we cannot achieve through reaction alone. This perspective reveals God's plan and purpose in our suffering, allowing us to see beyond the immediate pain and challenges. By choosing to respond with faith, we open ourselves to the possibility of redemption and transformation, and we align ourselves with God's greater story of hope and redemption. [23:41]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift from reaction to response, trusting that God is working for a greater purpose?
Day 4: Shaping Destiny Through Thoughtful Response
Our responses to adversity have the potential to shape our destiny and legacy. By choosing to respond thoughtfully, we maintain control over our lives and open ourselves to the possibility of redemption and transformation. This choice allows us to be active participants in our own stories, rather than passive victims of our circumstances. By exercising our "respond ability," we can influence the course of our lives and the lives of those around us, contributing to a greater story of hope and redemption. [27:27]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to take control of your response to shape a positive legacy?
Day 5: Confidence in God's Presence
The challenge for each of us is to ask, "How would someone in my circumstances respond if they were absolutely confident that God was with them?" This question invites us to exercise our superpower, to choose responses that reflect faith and trust in God's presence and plan. By doing so, we not only become better for our trials but also contribute to a greater story of redemption and hope. This confidence in God's presence empowers us to face adversity with courage and grace, knowing that we are never alone. [28:53]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life, especially when facing challenges?
Quotes
We respect people who have faced extraordinary health challenges but didn't lose their love for life, they didn't despair. They exercised their superpower, their superpower. It's a power that we all have and when exercised, it actually keeps us from becoming like our enemies, it keeps us from reflecting our circumstances. It thwarts evil, our superpower allows us to redeem suffering and your superpower is why you can be better for it. [00:12:51]
Our ability to respond rather than react because your ability to choose a response rather than have it dictated to you or your ability to choose something rather than just do what's expected of you or to simply model what you've seen done, your ability to respond allows you to dictate and influence your own future because and you know this. [00:29:05]
When we react, and this is the point of today's message, when we simply react, we actually relinquish control of our lives and we ultimately relinquish control of our destiny and our legacy. But a measured response, a measured thought through response ensures that that doesn't happen. [00:57:12]
Joseph, by this time, is the governor of the land, he's the second most powerful person in Egypt, which means he's for all practical purposes, the second most powerful person in the world. He was the governor of the land and the person who sold the grain to all his people, so when Joseph's brothers arrive, they bow down to him with their faces to the ground. [19:47:96]
And now, when it counted most, Joseph once again, chose not to react, but to respond and he forgave his brothers. The text says this, "Come close to me," he said. And I'm sure that took a while don't you think? Come close to me and he said, "I am your brother, Joseph." [22:51:36]
When we are able, when we are able to believe and when we are able to respond as if God is with us, we gain a perspective on what's behind our circumstances that we can't gain any other way. And this is such a powerful reminder of that because Joseph is able to come to the conclusion, the reason I'm here, the reason I went through everything I went through, God had a plan in my suffering. [23:18:28]
And if all we do is react, not only will we not be better for it, we will never have the perspective that allows us to move successfully into our future. Now, what nobody knew about this encounter was that God's entire plan of salvation for the world, hung by the thread of Joseph's response. [24:29:35]
Here's the thing, our superpower, our respond ability gives us the potential to be better for it, whatever it is. And you know this, we don't get to choose the it, that's part of the problem, right? We don't choose the it. But our response, your response is what determines whether or not we will be better for it, regardless of what the it is. [27:11:83]
How would someone in my circumstances respond? How would someone in my circumstances respond? How would someone in my circumstances respond? We know how someone in my circumstances would react, we see that all the time, but how would someone in my circumstances respond if they were absolutely confident? God was with them. [28:31:09]
Your answer, your answer to that question is your invitation to exercise your superpower. Your answer to this question is your best way forward. And if you act on it, you will emerge from whatever you're facing, better for it. Let's face it, we are no better than our responses, but our responses have extraordinary potential to make us and to make the world better. [28:45:23]
You have a superpower, your respond ability, use it. If you do, you will be better for it, the people around you will be better for it. And who knows? Perhaps, the world would be better for it as well. How would someone in your circumstances respond if they were confident? God was with them. [29:45:83]
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