“There are benefits that come only through struggles.”
- Unknown
Some BRIEF Sidenotes:
Sidenote 1 – At the appointed time, Joseph did not rush.
Genesis 41:14 – “So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”
Point: When God has an appointment for you...don’t rush.
Sidenote 2 - Joseph exercised deference and discretion.
Genesis 41:15-16 – “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ 16 ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’”
Point: Attend to business by, first, glorifying God and giving respect to others.
Sidenote 3 - God blesses even the unbeliever in order to fulfill his promises to his own.
Genesis 41:28 - “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.
Point: Do not get distracted by the blessing but keep focused on the promise.
Matthew 5:45 – Jesus said, “God causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
“Only dead people never get stressed, never get broken hearts, never experience the disappointment that comes with failure. You don't get to have a meaningful career or raise a family or leave the world a better place without stress and discomfort. Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.”
- Psychologist Susan David
4 Benefits for the Broken Hearted
** Joseph's life example reveals that a Broken Heart can also be an extension of God's Heart.
Benefit 1 – A Broken Heart is a Humble Heart.
1 Peter 5:5 – “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
James 4:6 – “But God gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Genesis 41:15b-16a – Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh...”
Point: When the reward comes, thank God without pride.
Benefit 2 – A Broken Heart is a Ready Heart.
Genesis 41:16 - “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Point: A broken heart knows God has the best solutions.
Benefit 3 – A Broken Heart is a Bold Heart.
Genesis 41:33 – “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.”
Point: A broken heart has nothing to lose.
Application: Sometimes we become gun shy because the dungeon strips us of dignity or confidence.
Benefit 4 – A Broken Heart is a Forgiving Heart.
An Amazing Fact: Throughout the rest of Joseph’s life, from age 30 to age 110 when he died...
· we will not hear one word of resentment on his heart or from his lips
· we will not hear one word of blame against the brothers who sold him into slavery
· we will not hear one word of bitterness against Potiphar’s wife
· we will not hear one word of rebuke against the cupbearer who had forgotten him
· we will not see one moment of vengeance or retribution
Point: Count on God to handle the cupbearers of your life.
Charles Swindoll – “It’s God’s job to deal with the cupbearers of your past. It’s your job to be the kind of servant He has designed you to be. Be faithful during the waiting periods of life. God will not forget you or forsake you.”
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