Beyond the Weekend: EPIC
Stories of Trust, Failure and Faith That Point to Jesus
What does it look like to believe God, not just believe in God? This fall, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered stories of biblical heroes who wrestled with doubt, took dangerous detours, and discovered that trusting God means following him even when you can't see the outcome. Their epic journeys of trust, failure and faith all point to the ultimate hero—Jesus.
Key Messaging Points:
- There's a difference between believing in God and believing God
- God speaks in life's detours and disruptions
- Wrestling with God transforms us
- Trusting God means obeying before you see the outcome
- Every story of human struggle points to Jesus
Joseph’s Family
Read: Genesis 37:2-11 Listen: Genesis 37
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.” Genesis 37:3
Joseph's family troubles begin long before his birth. Joseph is Jacob's eleventh son but the firstborn of Jacob's most-loved wife, Rachel. Jacob doesn't hide his favoritism and affection for Joseph. When Joseph receives the ornate coat, his ten older brothers, from three other women, hate him even more. The coat looks managerial, making them wonder if Jacob is putting Joseph in charge of them. Joseph's dreams about his family bowing down to him intensify their hatred. They can't say anything nice to him. It's hard to imagine any good coming from their dysfunction and jealousy.
Family can be a place to experience love and acceptance, as well as betrayal and rejection. Families can be messy and complicated by sin, like a nourishing garden that becomes choked with weeds. Sometimes, the deepest pain happens at the hands of those closest to us. This week, we will see how God can creatively use awful, ugly and tragic things to bring about beautiful and redemptive purposes. This does not mean the situations are good. We may not see God's ultimate good work in our lifetime. Joseph's story reminds us that God's creative work isn't limited to good situations and can span decades or even generations.
TODAY: Spend time journaling about a pain you have experienced from someone close to you. Bring it to God and ask him to provide his healing, help you forgive and deepen your trust in him through it.
