This past Sunday and Wednesday I shared the first message of our BIG BUTS OF THE BIBLE series (click here to listen). I thought I would share a couple of thoughts here. Let’s start with two big buts from the end of Genesis.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
If you’ve read Genesis chapters 37-50 then you know Joseph had a difficult journey in life. As a teenager he discovered God’s dream for his life, BUT that dream would take Joseph through a pit and a prison before arriving at a palace. BUT he held on to the dream. As a result his family was spared from famine and Joseph was able to save many lives.
I’ve found that God ordained dreams always lead to the saving of many lives. BUT I’ve also learned that these dreams are often tried and tested before they come true. Often times God-sized dreams are never fully realized because we give up too soon. BUT look back at what Joseph had to endure before his dream became a reality.
His first test was one of desertion. His own brothers threw him in a pit with the intention to kill him and his dream. After discussing this they decided they could do one better. Instead of killing him they could sell him into slavery. They could still destroy his dream, BUT this way they profit in the process.
It’s hard for me to imagine being sold by my own family. BUT it’s not hard for me to understand feeling deserted by a family member. My own father left when I was nine years old and I didn’t see him for several years. Even after seeing him again I never felt like He believed in my dream. Instead it felt like he believed in his dreams for my life. I know many who can relate to a close friend or family member not understanding God-sized dreams.
Joseph experienced desertion, BUT he kept his dream. What dream has God given you that others may not understand? Have you deserted the dream because others have deserted you? If so, pray for God to revive the dream in your heart. Then keep the dream no matter what happens. For Joseph things got worse before getting better. BUT he held on to the dream!
So keep the dream…no if’s, and’s or BUT’S about it!
(click here to listen to JOSEPH’S BIG BUT – part 1)
#1 by Sermon notes on January 21, 2012 - 4:24 pm
I’ve always loved Joseph’s story.Even with all the hardships God him through Joseph never gave up, and in the end God blessed him immensely.
#2 by Short Bible Studies on January 24, 2012 - 10:39 am
I like the play on words! Haha. And the series graphic is good. More important, it’s a great theme throughout the Bible. Sometimes it seems like God’s motto is “Expect the unexpected.”