|
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
This week, we are discussing how we can get through dark seasons in our lives. No one is exempt from walking through the valleys of trials and temptations. But just as God was with Joseph, we can be confident that He is with us as well today as we face our own battles.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and taken to Egypt. He did not complain but worked hard and was soon promoted by his boss, Potiphar. But more trouble was coming. Potiphar's wife lusted after him... but notice the way he responds to this temptation: "But he refused and said to his master's wife, 'Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:8-9) He absolutely did the right thing... so all was well, right? No. This lady told her husband that Joseph attacked her, so Potiphar had Joseph thrown in prison. Do you ever feel like that? You are giving it your best and trying to do all that God wants you to do, yet instead of things going well for you, they only get worse. It really boils down to whether you trust God or not.
Joseph was falsely accused and was sent to prison, a criminal but not guilty. He was in chains and stocks, a horrible time. The prison-keeper noticed Joseph and was impressed with the way he conducted himself, so he put Joseph in charge of the prison! Also in the prison were Pharaoh's baker and butler. They had dreams, and Joseph rightly interpreted their dreams. The butler was restored and the baker beheaded. Joseph asked the butler to tell Pharoah about him and remember him, but the butler forgot Joseph, and he languished in prison for two more years.
Joseph's dark moments continued. Can you relate? You feel like you cannot endure more trials and sorrows, but the dark moments continue. If that is your story, I encourage you to memorize our key verse for today, 1 Corinthians 10:13. I have committed it to memory, and it has been a blessing and source of strength for me.
Pharaoh had a dream, and then the butler remembered his friend from prison, and Joseph interpreted the dream. Pharaoh was pleased, and he promoted Joseph to second in command. He was 30 years old and the new Prime Minister of Egypt. His 13 years of darkness, trials, and adversities had finally come to an end. We wonder why it lasted so long. Some of you are going through a time of testing and do not understand why it is so hard and why it lasts so long. We will not understand it all, but we still must trust God. What is God's purpose in these dark seasons of the soul?
Are there answers to this question, "Why all these hardships?" Yes. Tomorrow we will begin to probe the answers Dr. Stanley gives. You will be encouraged by his insightful answers.
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
