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Kristen Rusch, Ashley Durand, and Dr. Jenny Coffey share their insight on finding hope through the struggles of motherhood. They touched on subjects such as depression, meltdowns, comparison, and being rooted in their identity in Christ.

Receive a copy of Mothering on Empty and an audio download of "Help for When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming" for your donation of any amount!

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Do you ever wonder if God really hears you? You wouldn’t say it out loud, but at times do you question that He even exists? Well, you’re not alone. Chip sheds some light on dealing with these normal questions and discovering the truth about God, prayer, and your future.

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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:22-26

As he reached the end of his life, Joseph gave instructions to his loved ones about what to do with the bones he left behind.

Hebrews 11:22 says, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.”

Joseph had faith that God would deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, so much faith that he asked that the Israelites take his bones with them. When we understand the blessing in his box of bones, we will learn how to live confidently and die without fear.

First, faith remembers the unbreakable promises of God.
In Genesis 50:24, Joseph tells his loved ones, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is getting a promise from the Word of God.”

Though Joseph was placed in a coffin in Egypt, he believed his bones would see this promised land, because his faith was rooted in God’s promises.

Second, faith relies on the unshakeable power of God.
At this point, the Israelites did not have reason to leave Egypt. There was a famine in Canaan, and they had made themselves comfortable in Egypt. Joseph’s faith was contrary to evidence; it was not shaken by fickle emotions or circumstances. Joseph knew time must pass and that what would be left of him would be bones. But centuries cannot erode away the promises of God.

Finally, faith results in the unmistakable peace of God.
Joseph reached the end of his life in perfect peace. The Book of Joshua tells us that Joseph’s bones did, in fact, make it to the promised land. Rather than building a monument of pride in Egypt, he chose his humble box of bones to be a monument of faith in Canaan. Joseph’s faith reminds us that our citizenship is in Heaven. We no longer have to fear death; we can make it our friend, if only we keep our eyes on Jesus all our days.

Apply it to your life
Does your faith remember the promises of God? Do you rely on His power and rest in His peace? Do not let your circumstances, emotions, or seeming delays erode your faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Foster parents experience unique circumstances that come with unique emotions, and sometimes it can feel as though no one can relate to their life. Strength and encouragement come from viewing foster care through the lens of the Gospel. This is the message that Jason Johnson, author of Reframing Foster Care, brings. In this interview, he will share stories from his own foster parenting journey, such as the hard decisions and processes that he and his wife have had to go through, including the very real issues that come with relating to the birth parents of the children they are fostering. He will offer support to foster parents, as well as encouragement to those who are considering fostering. Also, he will give practical ways that we can all help, whether we feel called to be involved in foster care or not.

Every kid deserves something to call their own. This suitcase has three things inside: a Bible, a teddy bear, and a handwritten letter to remind a child in foster care how much he/she is loved. When you give, we'll say thanks with a copy of Reframing Foster Care and an audio download of "Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help."

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If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.