Wawasee Bible Podcast

Joseph's story in Genesis 39 shows that being in the center of God's plan doesn't exempt anyone from suffering—Joseph's betrayal, slavery, and false accusation might have made him wonder if God had abandoned him; but in reality, God was with him at every step. The text even tells us that in the midst of his trials, Joseph was successful. That may seem odd to us, but success in God's eyes often looks different than our own definition. For God it's more about our character, faithfulness, and obedience to him than accolades or ease. Joseph excelled because God's presence enabled him to endure and succeed despite his circumstances, all while resisting temptation and staying obedient. In Joseph's story, we see that God's presence sustains us in all things, emboldens us to flee temptations, and redeems our trials.

We begin a new series looking at the life of Joseph in Genesis 37 through 50. At age 17 he experiences rejection and betrayal by his older brothers, who, in their jealousy, sell him into slavery. Joseph's path starts with deep pain, confusion, and setback. (And there would be more in his life yet to come.) But in God's providence, Joseph’s suffering and setback becomes God's set-up. God would use it to work redemption for his people and in Joseph's family, reconciling generations of dysfunction. Whether you're in the middle of a setback or walking out of one, it’s worth asking: could this pit you're in actually be the ground where your future is being cultivated?

It's often said that the Christian Life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Paul uses the metaphor of running a race when he talks about it, because it requires perseverance, focus, and resilience. Maybe we should think of it more as an ultra-marathon, even. So many things could distract and pull us off course—and sometimes they do!—but the call of the Spirit on our lives is to keep running. Even when falls and failures happen along the way, the defining mark of success is rising again and continuing the race, powered by the resurrection strength of Jesus. God is not concerned with our perfection, he's concerned with our progress. Do you ever feel like the race is too hard and wonder whether you're still on course? If so, you're not alone—and there’s powerful hope to keep moving forward. This is the way to run.

Jesus's resurrection shows he is the way through—he walked through suffering, endured the silence of the grave, and emerged victorious to call each person by name into new life. Just like seeds that must die before they can bloom, Jesus' death was necessary to give way to transformation for all who trust in him. His suffering paid our debt in full, completely and finally—there's nothing left to add, no shame left to carry. Even when life feels silent and God seems distant, he is still at work, preparing hearts for what's to come. Jesus is calling you, not generically, but personally—he knows your name, your pain, your situation—and invites you to newness, not just a better version of the old but a brand new life that begins in faith and trust in him. Friday's suffering paid your debt, Saturday's silence readied tour heart, and Sunday's resurrection calls your name.

Message from Josh Weiland on April 13, 2025

We begin a new short series called "This is the Way," looking at Jesus who said he himself is the way, and shows us how to follow him. It all begins by being born again. Jesus spoke of two deaths and two births. He taught that we'd all experience birth and death a total of three times—physical birth and physical death, then we'd each choose which we'll experience a second time: spiritual birth or spiritual death. This second birth isn't something one can earn or accomplish through religion, rituals, or good moral behavior. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, a religious leader who had all the outward signs of faith but lacked a living relationship with God. Religion alone leads to spiritual dead ends and ultimately a second death—eternal separation from God. But through believing in Jesus, trusting in what he accomplished on the cross, and allowing the Holy Spirit to give new life, anyone can experience a second birth that opens the door to eternal life. Have you truly been born again, or are you just following the rules, hoping it's enough?

After a life marked by deception and struggle, Jacob experiences a profound transformation when God reminds him of the new identity he’s been given—no longer the deceiver, but Israel, one God fights for. This shift reflects the deeper truth available to all who turn from sin and toward Jesus: God gives a renewed identity not based on performance, but on his grace. Jacob’s life turns on a moment of grace where he's called to live as who he really is, not who he was. It’s a call echoed to everyone—put away idols, turn from what enslaves, and live in the freedom of who God now says you are. There's a challenge in remembering and walking out this new reality, especially when the past clings tightly or the struggles don’t vanish overnight. But the truth remains: when we are in Christ, we are made new, adopted into family, and called to live each day from that truth. When we repent, God gives us a new identity and makes us family.

Jacob's journey reveals the dangers of both passivity and unchecked vengeance. After finally acknowledging God as his own, Jacob fails to protect his daughter, Dinah, from tragedy, remaining silent instead of defending her. His sons, fueled by rage, take justice into their own hands, enacting brutal revenge. How do you respond to wrongs? Do you remain passive, or do you let bitterness consume you and seek revenge? — OR do you lean into the difficult but essential call to forgive? Jesus calls his followers not just to trust him, but to actively follow him, displaying faith through actions. Jacob's passivity and his sons' vengeance after Dinah's humiliation remind us to follow Jesus after turning to him.

After 20 years with Laban, Jacob is finally on his way back to the promised land. At the outset, he sees and knows God's presence in Genesis 32, but when faced with the prospect of meeting his estranged brother Esau, fear took hold. Jacob panicked a bit, forgetting the security of God's promise to him. In his anxiety, he tried to control the situation, sending gifts ahead to appease Esau. But while Jacob was wrestling with fear, God showed up to wrestle Jacob so that he'd trust God's strength and not his own. What fear or anxiety are you wrestling with these days? Are you grasping for control and trying to manage outcomes like Jacob? Or will you slow down and rest in God's presence and promise?

Have you ever wondered what might make God angry? It’s fair to say that the biggest trigger is when we ignore his call on our life. Moses's experience at the burning bush gives us a clear example of this. Despite being met by God in an extraordinary way and being clearly called by him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responds with a series of excuses, each revealing his insecurities and fears. God patiently addresses each excuse, assuring Moses of his presence, power, and provision. However, when Moses ultimately refuses and asks God to send someone else, God's anger is kindled. While we may often see our insecurities as obstacles, God sees them as opportunities he will use as he sends us.