CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Genesis 50:1–21.

2. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and prison before seeing God’s purpose unfold. Can you recall a time when your circumstances made you question God’s presence? What was that experience like for you?

3. Joseph forgave his brothers and saw God’s hand in their betrayal. What does forgiveness look like when the pain is fresh? How can you imagine God using that hurt for something good?

4. Joseph didn’t know the end of his story while he was living it. While Genesis–Revelation helps us see the “whole story,” there are still times where doubt of God’s plan can creep in. Are there practical reminders that have helped you stay grounded in times of suffering and confusion?

5. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph says to his brothers "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done ..." Can you look back on your life and see a time that was meant for harm, but God has used it to grow you, protect you, or bless others? What did you learn about God through that experience?

6. Joseph’s story reminds us that God’s purpose isn’t always visible. How can Joseph's story and his faithfulness through hard situations be an encouragement to you this week? How can you use this to encourage others?

Title: Joseph
Reference: Genesis 37:1–8
Speaker: Paul Brandes, PaulB@cckc.church

When God’s hand is on your shoulder, you can…
Endure faithfully even in the worst circumstances.

When God’s hand is on your shoulder, you can…
Forgive even the worst people.

When God’s hand is on your shoulder, you can…
Trust that He’s weaving evil into good.

There you are at the cross with the few of his disciples who have the stomach to watch. And you hear people say, ‘I’ve had it with this God. How could he abandon the best man we have ever seen? I don’t see how God could bring any good out of this.’ What would you say? You would likely agree. And yet you are standing there looking at the greatest, most brilliant thing God could ever do for the human race. On the cross, both justice and love are being satisfied — evil, sin, and death are being defeated. You are looking at absolute beauty, but because you cannot fit it into your own limited understanding, you are in danger of walking away from God. Don’t do it. Do what Jesus did — trust God. Do what Joseph did — trust God even in the dungeon. … Sometimes we may wish that God would send us … a full explanation. But even though we cannot know all the particular reasons for our crosses, we can look at the cross and know God is working things out. - Tim Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering