INTRO: Last week we used a theme that we need "SOMEONE WITH A VISION AND WILLING TO TOUCH PEOPLE'S LIVES." Joseph's life is one that we can examine and use in our lives as we try to become better servants. Today I want to use the theme, realizing we need, "SOMEONE WITH ENOUGH PASSION THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE NO MATTER WHAT THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THEM!" Joseph was a man like that!
 

1. Rejection by his brothers must have been devastating
1. Betrayed
2. Separated

 
2. Realization of going from the safety of home to uncertainty was "attention getting"
1. Helpless and out of control
2. Alone

 
3. Rise to a level of promise was encouraging
1. Hope of better things
2. "Maybe God still cares for me"

 
4. Test of his resolve (character) was crucial to his trust in God
1. Refusal to allow flesh take over
2. Determined to do what is right!

 
5. Being jailed in prison was (no doubt) a catastrophic outcome
1. Questioning ideas of "Is it worth it all?"
2. Questioning ideas of why do I deserve this?

 

 

1. Still maintained his vision
2. Still maintained his dependence on God's help/guidance
3. Still maintained his character
4. Still maintained his trust
5. Still maintained his lines of communication with God
6. Still maintained his faith, hope, and charity

"I quit…"

• Trusting in self alone
• Doubting his control in my life and circumstances
• Seconding guessing God's will in my life
• Wallowing in self-pity
• Comparison checks with(against) others
• Listening to Satan's comments
• Making excuses
• Letting others do jobs that I should be doing (D.L. Moody brought his own group)
• Having bitterness in my heart