Finding Stability in a Topsy-Turvy World

Introduction

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Going to 6 Flags and walking across the bridge that was made out of barrels.

Sometimes life can seem topsy-turvy

Joseph’s life was topsy-turvy.

Let’s not forget that Jacob’s life would be made topsy-turvy as well.

Rehearse the story of Joseph to this point.

Joseph betrayed by brothers.

Sold to Egyptians

Set-up by Potiphar’s wife.

Forgotten by the cupbearer

A Time of Uncertainty: Don’t forget about Jacob

Has lost his son

Suffering from a famine

Sent sons to Egypt

Sons return, but Simeon had to remain behind

Sons return with some, but not enough grain.

Must send sons back. The situation is so desperate that he risks a third son—Benjamin—in order to get some food.

It is a time of uncertainty for Jacob.

In this time of uncertainty, Jacob returns to God. It may be that there are some who can identify. God may be using this time to bring you back to Him.

Three characteristics/attributes of God for a time of uncertainty

Jacob appealed to God’s might/power - El Shaddai

Genesis 17:1 NASB95

Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.

Genesis 28:3 NASB95

“May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples.

Genesis 35:11 NASB95

God also said to him, “I am God Almighty; Be fruitful and multiply; A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you.

Jacob appealed to God’s faithfulness in the covenant

Psalm 89:34 NASB95

“My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.

Jacob appealed to God’s care - compassion/mercy

Word refers to nurture.

It is used for womb. Refers to the source of life. Jacob turns to God as the source of life.

Job 38:8 NASB95

“Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;

Psalm 110:3 NASB95

Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.

Just as Jacob turned his attention back to God when things were topsy-turvy, you and I must turn our attention back to God during this topsy-turvy time. Indeed, this may be an act of God’s grace to recapture our wonder in Him.

Let me give you three things to remember

Conclusion: Let me give three things to remember during this topsy-turvy time. In a topsy-turvy time: [Write these down]

You can know God’s power — He is El Shaddai

You can trust God’s faithfulness —He is a covenant keeping God.

You receive God’s compassion — He is a God of mercy

Preaching Christ from Genesis: Foundations for Expository Sermons Sermon Exposition

This is my Father’s world:

O let us not forget

that though the wrong is great and strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad!

—Maltbie Babcock, 1901.

Let me invite you to a time reflect upon this message.