Trusting God's Plan Through Trials and Forgiveness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! It's wonderful to see you all here today. As we prepare for our Back to Church Sunday next week, I encourage you to think about which service you'll attend and consider serving in some capacity. Remember, the empty seats are opportunities for us to invite friends, neighbors, and family members who need to experience the goodness of God.
Today, we conclude our series on the life of Joseph, a story that has been incredibly relevant and inspiring. Joseph's life, filled with betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, could have easily led him to bitterness and despair. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith, trusting that God would eventually make everything right and that God was always at work, even in the darkest times.
Psalm 73, written by Asaph, resonates deeply with many of us. It begins with the belief that God is good to those who are pure in heart, but Asaph struggles with the apparent success of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. This tension is something Joseph could have easily related to, given his many trials. However, Joseph's story teaches us two crucial lessons: first, that God will eventually make everything right, and second, that God is always working to produce the best possible outcome.
Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers and see God's hand in his suffering is a powerful example for us. He understood that vengeance belongs to God and that no one truly gets away with wrongdoing. This perspective freed him from the desire for revenge and allowed him to trust in God's ultimate justice.
Moreover, Joseph recognized that God was always working, even in the most challenging circumstances. He saw his trials as part of a larger divine plan to preserve life and bring about good. This understanding enabled him to rise above his circumstances and remain faithful.
As we face our own trials and injustices, let us remember Joseph's example. Trust that God will make all things right and that He is always at work, even when we can't see it. Life may not always be fair, but God is always good. Let's place our lives and our circumstances in His hands, trusting in His perfect plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Ultimate Justice: Joseph's story teaches us that God will eventually make everything right. Even when we face betrayal, injustice, or suffering, we can trust that God sees all and will bring about justice in His perfect timing. This trust frees us from the burden of seeking revenge and allows us to live in peace. [49:33]
2. God is Always Working: Joseph's life demonstrates that God is always at work, even in the darkest times. He saw his trials as part of a divine plan to preserve life and bring about good. This perspective helps us to trust that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the best possible outcome. [55:24]
3. Forgiveness Over Vengeance: Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers, despite their betrayal, shows the power of leaving vengeance to God. By forgiving, we release ourselves from the chains of bitterness and allow God's justice to prevail. This act of forgiveness can transform relationships and bring healing. [47:37]
4. Perspective in Suffering: Asaph's struggle in Psalm 73 and Joseph's trials remind us that our perspective in suffering matters. When we view our hardships through the lens of God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find hope and strength to endure. Trusting in God's plan helps us rise above our circumstances. [52:31]
5. Impact Beyond Our Lifetime: Joseph's story encourages us to consider that our trials may have a purpose beyond our understanding. God may use our hardships to benefit others, even those we will never meet. This broader perspective helps us trust in God's greater plan and remain faithful, knowing that our suffering is not in vain. [59:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:25] - Invitation to Back to Church Sunday
[30:08] - Encouragement to Serve
[30:44] - The Purpose of Empty Seats
[31:12] - The Need for Jesus in a Darkening World
[31:48] - Personal Relevance of Joseph's Story
[32:26] - Introduction to Psalm 73
[33:11] - The Expectation of Fairness
[34:04] - The Principle of Justice
[34:46] - When Life Seems Unfair
[35:50] - Asaph's Struggle with Injustice
[36:46] - Joseph's Trials and Faithfulness
[37:44] - Joseph's Response to Unfair Circumstances
[38:59] - Message for the Wounded and Betrayed
[40:30] - Joseph Reveals His Identity
[42:02] - Judah's Change of Heart
[43:26] - Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan
[46:19] - Two Key Takeaways from Joseph's Life
[49:33] - Trust in God's Ultimate Justice
[55:24] - God is Always Working
[59:50] - Impact Beyond Our Lifetime
[01:02:13] - Trusting God in Unfair Circumstances
[01:05:35] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Pray
[01:13:19] - Invitation to Text and Invite Friends
[01:14:55] - Final Encouragement and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 45:1-15 - Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and explains God's purpose in his suffering.
2. Psalm 73:1-3, 16-20 - Asaph's struggle with the apparent success of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.
3. Romans 12:19 - "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joseph's initial reaction when he revealed his identity to his brothers in Genesis 45? How did he explain the events that had transpired? ([43:26])
2. In Psalm 73, what does Asaph initially believe about the relationship between purity of heart and God's goodness? How does his perspective change by the end of the Psalm? ([32:26])
3. According to Romans 12:19, what are believers instructed to do instead of seeking revenge? How does this align with Joseph's actions towards his brothers? ([54:07])
4. How does Joseph's understanding of God's role in his life events help him forgive his brothers? ([55:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Joseph was able to forgive his brothers despite their betrayal? How does his faith in God's plan influence his actions? ([47:37])
2. How does Asaph's struggle in Psalm 73 reflect common feelings of injustice we might experience today? What does his ultimate realization teach us about God's justice? ([52:31])
3. What does it mean to leave vengeance to God, as stated in Romans 12:19? How can this principle be practically applied in our daily lives? ([54:07])
4. How does Joseph's perspective on his suffering and God's plan challenge our understanding of difficult circumstances in our own lives? ([55:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt wronged or betrayed. How did you respond? How might Joseph's example of forgiveness and trust in God's plan change the way you handle similar situations in the future? ([47:37])
2. Asaph struggled with the apparent success of the wicked. Have you ever felt similarly? How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's ultimate justice, as Asaph did? ([52:31])
3. Joseph saw God's hand in every part of his journey, even the painful parts. Can you identify a difficult situation in your life where you now see God's work? How does this realization affect your faith? ([55:24])
4. Romans 12:19 instructs us to leave vengeance to God. Is there someone you need to forgive and release from your desire for revenge? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? ([54:07])
5. Joseph's story shows that our trials can have a purpose beyond our understanding. How can this perspective help you endure current hardships? Can you think of a way your suffering might benefit others, even those you may never meet? ([59:50])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of inviting others to experience God's goodness. Who in your life needs to hear about God's love? How can you invite them to church or share your faith with them this week? ([31:12])
7. Reflect on the idea that life is not always fair, but God is always good. How can this truth help you navigate unfair circumstances you are currently facing? ([01:01:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Ultimate Justice
Joseph's story teaches us that God will eventually make everything right. Even when we face betrayal, injustice, or suffering, we can trust that God sees all and will bring about justice in His perfect timing. This trust frees us from the burden of seeking revenge and allows us to live in peace. Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers and see God's hand in his suffering is a powerful example for us. He understood that vengeance belongs to God and that no one truly gets away with wrongdoing. This perspective freed him from the desire for revenge and allowed him to trust in God's ultimate justice. [49:33]
Psalm 37:28-29 (ESV): "For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt wronged or betrayed. How can you release the desire for revenge and trust in God's ultimate justice today?
Day 2: God is Always Working
Joseph's life demonstrates that God is always at work, even in the darkest times. He saw his trials as part of a divine plan to preserve life and bring about good. This perspective helps us to trust that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the best possible outcome. Joseph's ability to rise above his circumstances and remain faithful is a testament to his unwavering trust in God's plan. Even when we can't see it, God is always working for our good and His glory. [55:24]
Isaiah 64:4 (ESV): "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust that God is working behind the scenes for your good?
Day 3: Forgiveness Over Vengeance
Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers, despite their betrayal, shows the power of leaving vengeance to God. By forgiving, we release ourselves from the chains of bitterness and allow God's justice to prevail. This act of forgiveness can transform relationships and bring healing. Joseph's story encourages us to let go of our desire for revenge and trust that God will handle justice in His perfect way. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong but about freeing ourselves from the burden of bitterness. [47:37]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 4: Perspective in Suffering
Asaph's struggle in Psalm 73 and Joseph's trials remind us that our perspective in suffering matters. When we view our hardships through the lens of God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find hope and strength to endure. Trusting in God's plan helps us rise above our circumstances. Joseph's story teaches us that even in the midst of suffering, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory. This perspective helps us to remain faithful and hopeful, even when life seems unfair. [52:31]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see your current hardships through the lens of God's sovereignty and goodness?
Day 5: Impact Beyond Our Lifetime
Joseph's story encourages us to consider that our trials may have a purpose beyond our understanding. God may use our hardships to benefit others, even those we will never meet. This broader perspective helps us trust in God's greater plan and remain faithful, knowing that our suffering is not in vain. Joseph's ability to see his trials as part of a larger divine plan to preserve life and bring about good is a powerful reminder that our lives have a purpose beyond our immediate circumstances. [59:50]
Hebrews 11:39-40 (ESV): "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."
Reflection: Consider how your current trials might be used by God to impact others, even those you may never meet. How can this perspective help you remain faithful and hopeful?
Quotes
1. "Why do we need to go to three services? But the empty seats is the point. That's what we're trying to do. We're trying to free up more seats, because some of those seats has your friend, your neighbor, your coworker, your family member's name on it. And we want you to invite them. So let's not look at the empty seats and get discouraged by it. Let's look at the empty seats and see that as a challenge. Like, oh, we got more people we can invite now, and we can fill up those seats. Because, man, isn't it? The world is. The world is. It's getting darker. It's getting further from God." [30:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We believe that if someone has a pure heart, that God's going to see to it that they get good in return. They receive good in return. On the other hand, we also expect if someone's wicked or leads a kind of a cruel life, that God's going to make sure that he or she does not receive good in return, right? That's kind of how we think things should work. Like, that's the way it should happen. We operate with this basic expectation that life should work with some kind of underlying fairness, right? It should be fair." [33:11] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It would have been so easy along the way for Joseph to just let anger lead him to bitterness, or let temptation lead him to immorality, or let fear lead him to despair, or let suffering lead him to want some kind of revenge on his brothers the first chance he got. That would have been so easy. But through it all. Joseph stayed steady, he stayed faithful, and he allowed God to be in control. Somehow it seems like Joseph flipped the script on us. He flipped the usual script. He doesn't respond to his circumstances the way most of us would have, the way most people would have." [37:44] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Joseph knew that God will eventually make everything right. Man, Joseph was in the perfect position to get revenge on his brothers, don't you think? I mean, he had him right there in the palm of his hand. He could have just brought down vengeance for all the years of suffering that he went through because of them. Yeah, it ended up good, he was the prime minister of Egypt, but he went through 20 years of just suffering. I mean, it was tough on him, but he doesn't do that. He had the chance, but he didn't bring down any of that." [46:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Joseph was convinced that God could handle making things right. And you know what that did? That freed him up from vengeance. He didn't want to get revenge on his brothers. He was freed up from that because he's like, you know what, God can handle that part of things. God can do that. You will not rise above your unfair circumstances until you flip the script and leave the vengeance to God. You need to know and believe and trust that God will eventually make all things right." [54:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Joseph knew that God was always working. That He was always working to produce the very best outcome. Not necessarily the one we want. Not always the one that benefits us the most. But it's the very best outcome. We need to believe and we need to trust that, that Joseph knew that. Look again at his testimony that he shares in Genesis 45, verses 5 through 9. Let's read that and then, just make note of how many times he references God." [54:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "This is one of the greatest aspects of Joseph's attitude through all of his circumstances is this. He sees that God is behind it all. That God's at work in all of it. In all of it. Many times, multiple times he tells his brother, Hey, it's been God at work. God's been at work in that situation. God made that happen. He over and over again, he connected everything that happened to him back to God." [56:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What the world needs is to see real Christians who stand out in the crowd because they simply believe God. Because they simply trust God. Trust that God will eventually make all things right. And trust that God is always working even in the bad things, even in the hard times. Life is not always fair. But God is always good. Amen? You believe that? Sometimes our circumstances are out of our control. But God is always in control. People won't always act the way they should. But God is always faithful." [01:01:43] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Think about the fact that you may be blessed to live in the freest country in the world. Most prosperous country in the world. Think about maybe who you're able to marry or just something good that's happened in your life. And what if that came about because of something hard that happened in someone's life 300 years ago that God said, you're going to go through this and you're going to have this hardship or I'm going to use this death in your family or whatever in your life because He wanted to use it to affect your life here and now in the 21st century." [01:00:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Let today be the day of relief for you. Let it be the day of release. Let today be the day when you really trust God in the midst of your difficult, confusing, and yes, even unfair situation and circumstance. It's time to stop carrying your wounds and let Him, who was wounded for you, have them. What do you think?" [01:02:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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