"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BEING WITH YOU"
Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
Stephen was one of the men who was chosen to help serve tables. He was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God was at that time growing in the early church ( See Acts 6:7 ) Stephen was also said to be full of power and did great wonders and signs among the people. This activity drew the attention of some men who were arguing with Stephen about matters relating to God. They were unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. So, they secretly recruited some men to lie about Stephen, , accusing of him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him, and seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up some false witnesses to speak against him. And, then Stephen began to speak when given the chance.
Thus, what you have above in Act 7:9 is one simple verse, that is part of a much longer speech that Stephen gave where he was reviewing the history of God's wonderful work in establishing what was now the nation of Israel, and eventually, Stephens speech came to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I'd like to just mention a few things about Acts 7:9, and pray that they would be an encouragement to you.
1. Joseph one of Jacobs sons had been given a dream of his future by God.
Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him.
Joseph in telling his older brothers the dream of God's will for his life, stirred up jealousy and resentment on their part. They wanted to kill him, but were persuaded by one of the brothers not to. So, selling him to the Egyptians became their option to take out their hatred for him, and thus he was sold. "But God was with him"
2. Joseph not only was sold by his brothers, but then once in Egypt, he was falsely accused of rape, sent to prison, but God was with him.
It's encouraging when you read the story of Joseph, that though he went through one trial after another, that God was with him. And, it's no different for any of God's people, though they go through trials, God is with them also.
3. Joseph had a long history of being mistreated, and or apparently forgotten about, but, "God was with him"
You may want to read his story in total in Genesis, it's one of the most encouraging stories in the Bible.
I say that because, it's a picture for us of how one of God's people can go through so much trouble, but God was with him. And, not only was God with him, but God had a plan, and over time that plan became very obvious. God used Joseph in ways that were so helpful to others and brought great glory to God.
4. May I say to you today, that if you are going through a trial, being mistreated, betrayed, lied about, forgotten by others, don't lose heart. You know why? Because God is with You. Here are a few verses to encourage you.
De 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Jos 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Jos 10:25 Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
5. In fact, look at these verses, and may it help you to remember that God is with you, and that nothing can separate you from His love.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Rom 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Some questions:
1. Isn't it easy to forget that Jesus told us in the world we will have trouble?
2. Isn't it just as easy to forget that God will use all that trouble for your good?
3. Have you by any chance forgotten the things mentioned above?
4. Would you allow the Lord to remind you and comfort you, that "God is with You"
A prayer:
Father, thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us. This is what You have promised to us. And, Your promises are not lies, and You live up to Your promises. Not one of them is ever broken or forgotten. Thank You that You are with us now, and we are with you, and we will be with You forever, and ever. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
