ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2024
- How Adversity Shapes Us
Mr. Tan Chong Jin
Scripture Passage: Genesis 40:1-23
BIG IDEA: God is in control over our adversities.
Key Verse: Genesis 40:15 (NIV)
“I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”
Introduction
Joseph had been sold to slavery, but God’s presence and favour was with him. (Gen 39)
While Joseph was facing an unimaginable personal crisis, God is beginning to build his potential and prepare him for his future role in saving his family and surrounding nations.
But further adversity comes when Joseph is falsely accused and unjustly thrown into prison.
In this prison however, God prepares Joseph to rise to his destiny.
How God transforms adversity for us:
1. Adversity Builds Perseverance.
Testing of faith produces perseverance.
God works to strengthen our faith through adversities. (Jas 1:2-3, Rom 5:1-5)
Persevering faith shapes us to display God’s glory and purpose. (2 Cor 4:7)
Joseph remained connected with God’s purposes. (Gen 40:6-8)
2. Adversity Raises Potential.
Potential finds expression through adversity.
Joseph’s potential has been shaped through adversity with God’s presence with him. (Gen 39-40)
Joseph’s persistence in recognizing God’s presence raised his potential.
His gifting will eventually impact many nations and help save his own family through God’s hand.
3. Adversity is Subject to Providence.
God limits the scope of adversity.
God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear. (1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 4:8-9)
Joseph did not know whether he would get out of prison. (Gen 40:23)
However, God was working to position Joseph for the right time when he would fulfil God’s plan.
Conclusion
Know: God is powerfully at work through adversity.
Be: Confident in God’s overriding providence.
Do: Live with Christ-centred purpose through adverse conditions.
REFLECTION / DISCUSSION
1. Does adversity make your faith stronger or weaker?
For Kids: Does God help us when we are in trouble, sad, or disappointed? How?
2. Reflect on how God has shaped your gifting and potential through difficulties.
For Kids: How does God help us get better or stronger after a tough time?
3. What is one area of difficulty you can commit to God this week and learn to trust His providence?
For Kids: If God has helped you/your family in a difficult situation, how will you respond to Him? How about writing a prayer response to God?
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