16. Exodus 1:1-2:25 Birth of Moses

Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not give favor to the descendants of Joseph. He actually feared them, because they had multiplied to become more numerous and mightier than the Egyptians. So they made their lives bitter with all kinds of hard labor and when that didn't deter them, they decreed to put all the baby boys to death. 
So, a son is born to a Levite woman and she hid him as long as she could. What an incredibly brave woman to place her baby in a basket into the Nile river, filled with crocodiles and the possibility of drowning and yet believed God would protect her child. As his sister stood nearby, where does he just happen to float? Right to the bank where Pharaoh's daughter bathes. She named him Moses, which means, I drew him out of the water. And who gets to paid to nurse her own baby and the security to know that once he is weaned he will be brought up in luxury, will be protected from harm and taught by the finest scholars in all the land? His own mother! How AWESOME is our God?! 

15. Genesis 45:1-46:7 Joseph Reveals His Identity

Wow! Imagine the shock to Joseph's brothers when he told them who he was. Years and years of guilt and grief washed away because of the goodness of God. How relieved they must have been to find their beloved brother not only alive, but thriving under the protection and promotion of the Lord. God can always take a situation meant for evil and not only restore, but bless for His good above and beyond what we could ask or think. We serve a mighty God Whose hand is MORE than able to lift you up out of any pit and place you right where He wants you to be, blessed, healthy and whole in every area of your life.


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14. Genesis 43:1-44:34 The Brothers Return

So the brothers return to Egypt to ask for more food and to acquire their brother, Simeon. Joseph is moved to tears at the sight of Benjamin, the other son of his mother, Rachel. The knowledge that his father is still living is overwhelming. He wants to keep Benjamin for himself and bless him. He knows that his father would be crushed if the brothers return without his youngest, beloved son. They beg Joseph to let Benjamin return with them. They unknowingly beg their younger brother for mercy. What a position Joseph has been placed in... What are your thoughts on this passage?
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13. Genesis 42:1-38 Famine in the Land

So Joseph will now test his older brothers. As he heard them speaking to one another, he realized that they had remorse for what they had done to him many years before. He longs to see his youngest brother, Benjamin, and requests that they bring him. But he shows mercy to them and allows them to return with their grain sacks full. How awesome is God to place Joseph in the exact place and time to be able to restore his own people during a time of lack?! He ALWAYS has a plan to help us in our time of need as well!


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12. Genesis 39:1-41:57 Joseph In Prison

The story of Joseph's life has always been one of my favorites. It clearly demonstrates God's grace and provision, even in the hardest of times. Can't even fathom what prison is like, not to mention the conditions of prison in the Bible days, yikes! Yet, in the darkest time in his life, God made a way for Joseph as he correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dream by the leading and instruction of the Holy Spirit. He found favor in Pharaoh's eyes, but it was because he first had favor with God. When God exalts you, He does so above and beyond what you could think or imagine! No matter what kind of situation you may be in today, don't give up. Keep speaking your victory in faith, because God has a plan for you and it is one of VICTORY!!!

11. Genesis 37:1-36 Joseph Sold Into Slavery

Wow! How bad does it have to be for your own brothers to attempt to take your life because of jealousy? Praise God, Reuben heard them and rescued young Joseph out of their hands. He planned instead to put him into a pit and then restore him to his father later. While Reuben was away, the brothers instead sold Joseph to some Midianite traders. They then sold him to Potiphar, the Pharaoh of Egypt's, officer. Poor Reuban returns to the pit to find his brother gone. Instead of telling their father the truth and attempting to rescue Joseph, they cover up their sin and come up with a plan to break it to their father. Being the eldest son, Reuben was responsible for all the brothers and did not know how else he could return to his father without Joseph. They should have gone to their father to ask for forgiveness and help. When we try to cover things up we only get into more of a mess. Jacob, himself, knew firsthand how much trouble deception can get you into. And more importantly, he knew firsthand God's incredible mercy and grace in his life.


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10. Genesis 32:1-33:20 Reconciliation

How awesome to have the angels of God meet you on your journey! Jacob recognized them and said, "This is God's camp." Jacob was greatly afraid to return to his homeland and be reunited with his brother Esau. He went to God and asked for protection for himself and his family and for favor in the sight of his brother. Then he reminded God of His promises to him. He knew the Word that was spoken to his father, Isaac, that the Lord had said, "Surely I will prosper you and  make your descendants as numerous as the sand of the sea..." Speaking God's Words back to Him will increase your faith in Him and His Word. He wrestled with the angel of the Lord and did not relent until the Lord blessed him! That takes faith and perseverance! When he returned, Esau not only met him on the road, but ran to him and embraced him. God is the God of restoration and when we allow Him to restore He always does it above and beyond what we could ask or think.


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