Untitled Sermon (23)

There is a tendency in some to expect the hand of God to be prominent as it was in other people or circumstances.

Many times God acts in hidden ways

His purpose is mostly evident in retrospect.

Experiences of the Spirit are in themselves no mark of spritual maturity; it is the wise and generous us of them which demonstrates the godliness of the believer.

Living the Dream: Joseph for Today: A Dramatic Exposition of Genesis 37–50 Introduction

As a rule, in this part of Scripture, those who trust in God do so despite a dearth of encouragement to do so. This is part of the great value of the story of Joseph for the church today. There is a tendency in some contemporary church circles to expect the hand of God to be prominent—as it was in the life of Abraham, to whom God spoke and appeared repeatedly. Among Christian disciples today miracles are sought daily, answers to prayer anticipated keenly, and gifts of the Spirit celebrated rapturously. But for many believers dramatic experiences of the presence of God are the precious exception rather than the rule. Mostly, God acts in hidden ways. His purpose is mostly evident in retrospect. The life of faith mostly involves trust in a presence of God, which is elusive.