Photographs of Faith

The story of Joseph Gen. 37,39-50

I Wonder if Abraham ever thought about the journey his descendants would have go go on to finally see the promise come to pass?

Faith is not about seeing the provision but holding onto the promise. 

Joseph would not see the promise in his lifetime, but played a major part in making sure that promise would come to pass. 

Make no mistake about it, Joseph had to have Great faith to go through what he went through. 

Joseph had to Know God, Believe God, and Trust God. 

Let’s take a look at how these three aspects were a pivotal part of Joseph’s faith and how they are a part of our faith even today. 

Knowing God

How did Joseph know God?

How did Joseph know what was right and wrong? (No Law) 

300 year gap between Joseph and Moses

Joseph knew God through his family, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

When Joseph was 28, in an Egyptian prison, Isaac, His grandfather died.  

Psalm 78:3-7 TPT

We’ve heard true stories from our fathers about our rich heritage.

We will continue to tell our children

and not hide from the rising generation

the great marvels of our God—

his miracles and power that have brought us all this far.

The story of Israel is a lesson in God’s ways.

He established decrees for Jacob and established the law in Israel,

and he commanded our forefathers to teach them to their children.

Forever God’s ways will be passed down

from one generation to the next, even to those not yet born.

In this way, every generation will set its hope in God

and not forget his wonderful works but keep his commandments.

What are you passing down to your children? 

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had to endure in faith so that others could experience the Promise.(Jesus) They endured so they could pass down a commission of faith to see the promise fulfilled.

Genesis 35:11-12 NKJV

And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” 

How important is our Christian heritage? (Inheritance)

Are you raising a Joseph? 

Joseph started off life well because he was taught to know God. 

 Believing God 

As Joseph learned from his family about who God was, at some point he had to start believing who He was. (Psalm 78)

In believing your are coming into agreement. 

Agreement: Harmony of opinion, action, or character! 

Joseph was faithful wherever he found himself. Why? 

In the pit: Maybe a little humble pie! He had been focusing on the provision. (Coat of many colors)

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As a Slave: 

Genesis 39:2-6 NKJV

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.

In Prison: 39:21-23 KNJV

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

2nd to the Pharaoh: Genesis 41:37-41

So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and