The Place of Preparation

The Place of Preparation
Genesis 41

Theme:   Whenever we are in the place of preparation we will discover something about the nature of God and man

I. In the place of preparation you discover something about the nature of God

        a. The mysterious ways of God

        b. The marvelous wisdom of God

        c. The miraculous will of God

II. In the place of preparation you discover something about the nature of man


{On Your Own...}

Pain, when properly handled in our lives can shape us for something great.  When improperly handled it can cause us to be stuck in defeat.   Joseph was struck with pain many times in his life; those experiences provided the preparation he needed when God promoted him.   The last words of Genesis chapter 40 must have been very painful for Joseph to live.  The scripture says that the cupbearer “forgot him.”   In studying the life of Joseph I was reminded of other Biblical heroes who were tried by fire.   Study the book of Job.   

             {Pay special attention to Chapter 23:3-9.}  


Have you ever wished that you could “find God?”   Have you ever desired to ask, “why?”   Questions like, “how long will this last?”  Have been on all our minds at one time or another.   

What lessons do you learn by Joseph and Job concerning the place of preparation?   


What comfort do you find in knowing that you are not alone in the pain of circumstances?  


What could your pain possibly be preparing you for later in life?  {There is a purpose}


Affliction really is that which God uses to make gold in the child of God’s life.  God is the only one who can determine how long the process will take because he alone is the refiner. He is watching to see how we respond to the trials. 


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