“And the LORD was with Joseph” Attacked by his brothers Thrown into a pit Sold to Midianites Hauled to Egypt Sold to Potiphar Pursued by Potiphar’s wife Falsely accused of rape Thrown into prison for two+ years Would we believe the LORD was with us?

Adversity & Trials GOD’S UNCHANGING WILL Judah -- the seed line accomplished in spite of disobedience GOD’S UNCHANGING WILL accomplished through obedience Joseph -- preserve the seed nation Which brother was used according to God’s will? Which suffered trials? What was the cause of their trials?

Joseph’s Reasoning LORD In Potiphar’s House: the LORD’s presence successful Joseph’s witness to Potiphar favorable relationship w/Potiphar personal servant to Potiphar overseer of his house in charge of all Potiphar owned God’s blessing on Potiphar’s property Highest position in Potiphar’s house cause LORD To compromise this is to sin against this Can we willfully sin against God & continue to expect His presence & blessing?

Joseph’s Strength Believing God has a calling on our lives and being dedicated to it will strengthen us to resist temptations that threatens that calling. Whether like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife or Abraham giving away Sarah or forcing a child by Hagar OR FACING TRIALS IN YOUR CALLING

How our Lives Fit within God’s Will We must avoid the trap that adversity and trials indicate we’ve wondered from God’s will, or, are doing things in “our own strength.” We must realize that obedience to God will include adversity and trials. as young people as husbands and fathers as wives and mothers Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 2 Tim. 2.12: And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.