Genesis 50:18-21

INTRODUCTION: I was watching the news and reading my Bible and found something interesting. "whatever two or more of agree on it shall be done in heaven." and "Give us this day our daily bread."

All around us is turmoil. Which the Bible says will get worse.

Our state budget troubles follow those of business around our state. Smaller paychecks on one end and higher taxes on the other end are killing the middle class. Today it cost a family of 4 $28.28 a day for food. The average wage is $20.00 per hour. One person working in the family spends 1 1/2 hours each day working to feed the family. In Rev 6:5-7 it tells us that a day is coming when a person, if they have a job will work for 4 days to feed that family for 1 day.

We see riots and protest for a new government in the middle east. The Bible tells us in the books of Daniel and Revelation that a new 10 nation Arab state will emerge, Three of those nations will merge to become one, from which will come a new charismatic head of state. Rev 20:8 Tells us that they will gather together at armageddon to destroy the nation of Israel.

How do we deal with a world like this and still keep our faith? God has something to learn from Joseph today that will help us through the storm today and the storm ahead.

1. THEY INTENDED HARM, BUT GOD INTENDED IT FOR GOOD

A. JOSEPH'S BROTHERS AND GOD

a. THEY INTENDED TO DESTROY JOSEPH

b. GOD INTENDED TO SAVE HIS PEOPLE

B. BABYLON AND GOD

a. THEY INTENDED TO RULE ISRAEL

b. GOD INTENDED TO WAKE HIS PEOPLE UP

C. THE CROSS AND GOD

a. SATAN SOUGHT TO DESTROY THE MESSIAH

b. GOD INTENDED TO SAVE THE WORLD

2. WE FACE DIFFICULT TIMES

A. AS A STATE (BUDGETS, DEBTS, LABOR DISPUTES)

B. AS A NATION (WARS, BUDGETS, UNEMPLOYMENT)

C. AS A WORLD (WARS, POLITICAL CHANGES, FAMINE)

D. AS A CHURCH (DISPUTES ABOUT THE BIBLE, SEX, ABORTION,

AND ISRAEL.

3.TRUSTING GOD BEYOND OUR SIGHT

A. JOSEPH (GOD INTENDED GOOD)

B. JESUS (IF THERE BE ANY WAY)

C. JOB 13:15 (THOUGH HE SLAY ME, I WILL TRUST HIM)

D. ROMANS 8:28 (FOR ALL THINGS GOD WORKS)

CONCLUSION: Like Joseph, we do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. Whatever people or governments might intend, God will work through it, us it, to bring good. Genesis 50:18-21 "What you intended for harm God has intended for the good."