Genesis 48-50 & Exodus 1-3

"A Good Gift from a Good God"  Genesis 50:15-21

1.  Based on your knowledge of Joseph's life, how often might he have given into fear and worry over the course of his life?

Joseph could have worried when his brothers sold him.  He could have worried when he was falsely accused while he was a slave.  He could have worried in jail.  The text doesn't say he didn't worry or fear.  I don't think we can assume that he didn't worry.  In the end, Joseph realized God had worked everything out for good and Joseph held so strongly to his beliefs and trust and faith in the Almighty that we might be tempted to think he never doubted.  We just don't know.

2.  What circumstances are causing you to feel fearful or worried?

I am worried a little bit about the future both for myself and my family but also for the world at large.  I have vague plans and my husband's plans change so much it causes me to feel crazy.

3.  Spend time with God asking him to use your fears as "the door" through which you can enter your rest, trusting that God will use your present circumstance for your good and his glory.

Dear God,  You can use any circumstance for your glory.  Help me to walk through the fear of the future into the unknown boldly with You as my Lord and Savior.  Only You can know the future and I am your instrument.  You are the potter and I am the clay.  Make me for your glory.  Amen

"Wait and Watch"  Exodus 2:1-10

1.  Whom are you watching over right now?

I am watching over my children.

2.  How does prayer empower you as you wait?

Prayer is communication and praise to the One who made and created everything.  It is empowering to know and be able to enter into the presence of God through Jesus.

3.  How does this perspective of waiting and watching help you in your own life's story?

Waiting is hard when we wait what we want right now.  But if we are patient and continue to serve and read the word time seems to speed up when we focus with what we have on hand.  My story is full of stop and goes so I don't know if I can relate to this question or not.

"Availability Check"  Exodus 3:1-22

1.  In what ways has God indicated he has something for you to do and how have you responded?

The one thing I know God has for me is salvation and I believe with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength in Jesus and the blood He shed for me.  I will respond with praise, thanksgiving, and service.

2.  Recount a time when you felt inadequate to do something you knew God wanted you to do.  How did God equip you to accomplish it?

I guess the one time I felt totally inadequate was when I first became a mom.  I cried a lot.  Physically I felt horrible and I was still working.  God only equip me by letting me go through all that hard stuff.  He was patient with me and gracious with me.

3.  What interferes with your availability to answer God's call?

I am where God has called me.  If anything is interfering then it is part of God's plan- I need to chose to stick with Him when distractions come.