Trouble & Trust

Joseph’s desire is to test his brothers and see if they treat Benjamin the same way he was treated.

v1-2: Joseph instructs his servants to fill the bags with grain, money, and his own silver cup is to be placed in Benjamin’s bag.

v3-5: He continues to instruct his servants to follow after his brothers, stop them, and find the cup they have placed.

v6-10: The servants stop the brothers, speak with them, and the brothers consent to being searched as proof they have not stolen.

Genesis 44:11–13 ESV

11 Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

Illustration: Despair (Mon: Storm approaches and family leaves; Tues: Power out, have to leave; Wed: Storm causes flooding & no contact with family; Thurs: Family back, bedtime discussion with Sarah)

Illustration: Why does God let hurricanes happen?

As we read this, put yourselves in the shoes of Benjamin. What would you do in this situation?

Every time we experience trouble, there is a special opportunity.

To care for someone else

To share a personal testimony

To proclaim God’s plan for salvation

Every time we exercise trust, God receives glory.

Glory points to God for answers.

People with no hope, follow where we point to for hope.

Every time we enjoy triumph, the church of God grows stronger.

New saints are added with their gifts and abilities.

We disciple believers to maturity.

Our ministry reach grows