In week two of the “Work Hard, Rest Well” Bible study we dig deep into the story of Joseph and use his life as an example when our own dreams detour. Joseph could have been angry and bitter. He could have passed blame and given up. Instead, wherever he was, in whatever circumstances he found himself in, he continued to use the gifts God had given him.
When our small group talked about this week of study I LOVED how each woman found herself connecting with a different character in the story. As you read, put yourself in the shoes of Joseph, his brothers, his dad. Think about your own dreams and goals, and what would happen if you truly believed that nothing – absolutely nothing – could ruin God’s plans for your life.
Read Genesis chapters 37 and 39-45
Don’t be discouraged by the length of this week’s reading. Joseph’s story is an encouraging example of how God’s plans are better than our own – even when we don’t understand what is going on. Joseph had dreams – literally – about what God had promised to do in his life, but I doubt the path to get there looked anything like he’d hoped. And yet, because of Joseph’s love for God, he served and worked humbly, honoring God with his actions. And, in the end, Joseph saw how God kept His promises. Along the way, Joseph connected with people, used his talents, and grew into the man God knew he would become. When we rush to make our plans and dreams happen in our own time, we often miss the opportunities God gives us to learn, grow, and connect.
Discussion Questions:
1. Take a moment and list where Joseph started, where he ended, and any perceived “failures” that happened in his story.
2. How would you define “failure”? Have you ever experienced a time when God used a failure in your life to move you to the next step on His path for your life
3. Think about a time when you gave up on chasing your God-given dreams because of failure. If you had viewed those setbacks as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks, how differently would you have responded?
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