Rewriting the Script: Embracing Life's Unexpected Plot Twists

Scripture Invitation:

As we prepare our hearts for God's Word, I summon your senses and invite your intellect to the book of Genesis, chapter 50, verse 15-19. It is there that The Holy Spirit has highlighted our context for our brief sermonic time together this morning.

Bible Passage

Genesis 50:15–19 CSB

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

Introduction:

As we dive into the story of Joseph, we enter the realm of dreams, betrayal, and unexpected turns.

Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace is a prime example of how the process can scare us out of our purpose.

But today, I want to encourage you not to give up, not to lose heart because God has a plan for your life.

Context

The book of Genesis tells the story of a boy named Joseph

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's favored wife.

As the son of Jacob's old age, Joseph held a special place in his father's heart and was given a coat of many colors, symbolizing his favored status.

Joseph had two significant dreams where his brothers and even his father bowed down to him. These dreams stirred up jealousy and resentment among his brothers.

Out of envy and anger, Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him. However, instead of killing him directly, they decided to throw him into a pit. Eventually, they sold him to a group of Ishmaelite traders who took him to Egypt as a slave.

In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite being a slave, Joseph excelled in his work and gained favor with Potiphar, rising to the position of overseer of Potiphar's household.

Joseph faced a temptation from Potiphar's wife, but he resisted and remained faithful to God. As a result, he was falsely accused of wrongdoing and sentenced to prison.

While in prison, Joseph encountered two fellow prisoners, who had dreams that he was able to interpret accurately. One of these prisoners, Pharaoh's cupbearer, had a significant dream that involved Joseph's release from prison.

Eventually, Pharaoh had a dream that troubled him, and the cupbearer remembered Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret the dream, which foretold a coming famine. Impressed by Joseph's interpretation, Pharaoh appointed him as second in command over all of Egypt.

Joseph used his position of power to prepare Egypt for the famine, storing up grain during the seven years of plenty.

When the famine reached Joseph's family in Canaan, they traveled to Egypt seeking food and unknowingly encountered Joseph. Eventually, Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, forgave them for their treachery, and brought his entire family to live in Egypt.

Joseph's story is a powerful example of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, depicting how He can turn even the most challenging circumstances into a platform for His greatness and purpose.

From Joseph's life, we can draw three key points on how to overcome and learn how God rewrites our script to fulfill his purpose for our lives.

1. The Call of God

God's call on our lives is our purpose.

Just as Joseph had a dream from God, we too have dreams and visions that God has planted within us.

The call comes with challenges because God is preparing us for the journey.

We must remember that our purpose is greater than our circumstances.

Note: (Genesis 37:5-11)

2. The Process of Preparation

The process is not meant to break us, but to mold us into the person we need to become in order to fulfill our purpose.

Just as Joseph went through the challenges of being a slave and a prisoner, God was using those experiences to sharpen his character, strengthen his faith, and develop his leadership skills.

We must trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when the process seems never-ending.

Note: (Genesis 39:20-23)

3. Fulfilling Your Purpose:

After years of ups and downs, Joseph eventually rose to a position of power and authority in Egypt.

Despite the pain and hardships, he stayed faithful to his purpose and trusted God's plan.

In the end, Joseph's purpose was revealed when he was able to save his family from famine and reconcile with his brothers.

When we overcome the scary process and walk in our purpose, our lives become a testimony of God's faithfulness.

Note: (Genesis 45:5-8)

Closing

I want to encourage someone today that no matter how scary the process may seem, don't let it scare you out of your purpose.

God has a plan for your life.

Trust Him, embrace the challenges, and maintain your faith.

Despite his brothers' jealousy and their attempts to harm him, Joseph remained determined and fulfilled his purpose.

Despite being sold into slavery and enduring the hardships that came with it, Joseph held onto his faith and fulfilled his purpose.

Despite facing setbacks, betrayals, and obstacles, Joseph stayed focused and ultimately accomplished his purpose.

Despite experiencing injustices and unfair treatment, Joseph did not lose sight of his purpose and achieved success.

Despite the adversity he faced, Joseph's unwavering determination and strong character allowed him to fulfill his purpose.

Despite being falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful to his purpose and eventually rose to a position of power.

Despite enduring years of separation and hardship, Joseph never lost hope and ultimately fulfilled his purpose of reuniting with his family.

Despite having every reason to harbor resentment and seek revenge, Joseph forgave those who had wronged him and chose love as his purpose.

Despite the temptation to give up or take the easy way out, Joseph stayed committed to fulfilling his purpose, no matter the cost.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties he faced, Joseph remained confident in his purpose and pursued it with unwavering determination.

Despite the twists and turns of his journey, Joseph's unwavering faith in God's plan allowed him to fulfill his purpose with grace and humility.

Remember, the process is not the end, but the means to fulfilling your purpose.

Hold on, keep pushing, and let God’s purpose for your life shine through.