Finding Your Way Through Life's Cornfields
Hitting The Bottom…And Waiting Patiently - Genesis 40
Have you ever felt completely lost, unsure of which direction to take in life? Imagine driving through endless cornfields, coming to an intersection with no signs, and having no idea whether to turn left, right, or continue straight ahead. This feeling of disorientation can often mirror our spiritual journeys, especially when we face unexpected challenges or detours.
But what if there was a way to navigate life's twists and turns with confidence, even when we've never been in that particular situation before? The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis offers profound insights into how God works in our lives, often in ways we don't immediately understand.
Joseph's life unfolds in a series of dramatic ups and downs, marked by significant dreams. First, he has exalted visions of his family bowing down to him. But instead of immediate fulfillment, his life takes a sharp downturn – betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned in Egypt. It's a devastating fall from grace that would leave most of us questioning God's plan.
Yet, even in the depths of prison, Joseph doesn't lose his ability to recognize God at work. When fellow prisoners – Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker – have troubling dreams, Joseph doesn't scoff or become bitter. Instead, he remains open to God's voice, interpreting the dreams accurately. This small act of faithfulness, seemingly inconsequential at the time, becomes the seed for Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt.
The pattern in Joseph's story – exaltation, devastation, and then ultimate restoration – echoes throughout Scripture. We see it most profoundly in the life of Jesus Christ. From His baptism and the Father's declaration of love, Jesus is immediately driven into the wilderness to face temptation. His ministry culminates in the ultimate descent – death on a cross – which becomes the very means of salvation for the world.
This "cruciform" pattern of following Jesus is not just for biblical heroes. Jesus Himself tells us, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). The way of the cross – of suffering and self-denial – is the path to true life and transformation.
But here's the crucial insight: God is always working behind the scenes, even when – especially when – we can't see it. Joseph couldn't have known that his imprisonment was setting the stage for him to eventually save his family and all of Egypt from famine. In our own lives, periods of hardship or waiting may be God's way of shaping us for future purposes we can't yet imagine.
This truth calls us to cultivate several essential qualities:
1. Patience: God's timing is rarely our timing. Joseph spent years in prison before his dramatic rise to power. The Bible consistently calls believers to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
2. Perseverance: Don't give up when things get tough. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
3. Discernment: Learn to recognize God's hand at work, even in unexpected places. This comes through immersing ourselves in Scripture and developing a vibrant prayer life.
4. Character Development: God is more interested in shaping who we are than in making our lives comfortable. Joseph's time in prison wasn't wasted; it was preparation for the responsibility he would later carry.
5. Perspective: Remember that your story is part of God's larger narrative. It's not all about you, but you have a vital role to play in His purposes.
The beautiful promise we find in Romans 8:28 is that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This doesn't mean everything will be easy, but it does mean that God can use every circumstance – even the painful ones – to shape us into the image of Christ.
So how do we practically live this out? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Immerse yourself in God's Word: Jesus knew the Scriptures so well that He could apply them spontaneously to any situation. We need that same deep grounding.
2. Prioritize Prayer: Even in the busiest seasons of ministry, Jesus withdrew to pray. How much more do we need that connection with the Father?
3. Embrace Simplicity: Jesus lived an uncluttered life, focused on His mission. What distractions might you need to eliminate?
4. Ask for Discernment: When facing decisions or confusing circumstances, imagine how Jesus would respond in your situation. Pray for His wisdom and perspective.
5. Submit to the Process: Recognize that God is shaping you, both through direct intervention and through the circumstances of your life. Trust His craftsmanship.
Life will always have its cornfields – moments where we feel lost and unsure. But as we cultivate a deep relationship with God and learn to recognize His patterns of working, we can develop an inner GPS that helps us navigate even the most challenging terrain.
Remember, the story isn't over yet. Joseph's life seemed to hit rock bottom, but that was just the prelude to his greatest purpose. In the same way, your current struggles may be the very soil from which God grows something beautiful and unexpected. Stay faithful, stay patient, and keep your eyes fixed on the One who sees the end from the beginning.
Watch the Sermon
But what if there was a way to navigate life's twists and turns with confidence, even when we've never been in that particular situation before? The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis offers profound insights into how God works in our lives, often in ways we don't immediately understand.
Joseph's life unfolds in a series of dramatic ups and downs, marked by significant dreams. First, he has exalted visions of his family bowing down to him. But instead of immediate fulfillment, his life takes a sharp downturn – betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned in Egypt. It's a devastating fall from grace that would leave most of us questioning God's plan.
Yet, even in the depths of prison, Joseph doesn't lose his ability to recognize God at work. When fellow prisoners – Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker – have troubling dreams, Joseph doesn't scoff or become bitter. Instead, he remains open to God's voice, interpreting the dreams accurately. This small act of faithfulness, seemingly inconsequential at the time, becomes the seed for Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt.
The pattern in Joseph's story – exaltation, devastation, and then ultimate restoration – echoes throughout Scripture. We see it most profoundly in the life of Jesus Christ. From His baptism and the Father's declaration of love, Jesus is immediately driven into the wilderness to face temptation. His ministry culminates in the ultimate descent – death on a cross – which becomes the very means of salvation for the world.
This "cruciform" pattern of following Jesus is not just for biblical heroes. Jesus Himself tells us, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). The way of the cross – of suffering and self-denial – is the path to true life and transformation.
But here's the crucial insight: God is always working behind the scenes, even when – especially when – we can't see it. Joseph couldn't have known that his imprisonment was setting the stage for him to eventually save his family and all of Egypt from famine. In our own lives, periods of hardship or waiting may be God's way of shaping us for future purposes we can't yet imagine.
This truth calls us to cultivate several essential qualities:
1. Patience: God's timing is rarely our timing. Joseph spent years in prison before his dramatic rise to power. The Bible consistently calls believers to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
2. Perseverance: Don't give up when things get tough. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
3. Discernment: Learn to recognize God's hand at work, even in unexpected places. This comes through immersing ourselves in Scripture and developing a vibrant prayer life.
4. Character Development: God is more interested in shaping who we are than in making our lives comfortable. Joseph's time in prison wasn't wasted; it was preparation for the responsibility he would later carry.
5. Perspective: Remember that your story is part of God's larger narrative. It's not all about you, but you have a vital role to play in His purposes.
The beautiful promise we find in Romans 8:28 is that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This doesn't mean everything will be easy, but it does mean that God can use every circumstance – even the painful ones – to shape us into the image of Christ.
So how do we practically live this out? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Immerse yourself in God's Word: Jesus knew the Scriptures so well that He could apply them spontaneously to any situation. We need that same deep grounding.
2. Prioritize Prayer: Even in the busiest seasons of ministry, Jesus withdrew to pray. How much more do we need that connection with the Father?
3. Embrace Simplicity: Jesus lived an uncluttered life, focused on His mission. What distractions might you need to eliminate?
4. Ask for Discernment: When facing decisions or confusing circumstances, imagine how Jesus would respond in your situation. Pray for His wisdom and perspective.
5. Submit to the Process: Recognize that God is shaping you, both through direct intervention and through the circumstances of your life. Trust His craftsmanship.
Life will always have its cornfields – moments where we feel lost and unsure. But as we cultivate a deep relationship with God and learn to recognize His patterns of working, we can develop an inner GPS that helps us navigate even the most challenging terrain.
Remember, the story isn't over yet. Joseph's life seemed to hit rock bottom, but that was just the prelude to his greatest purpose. In the same way, your current struggles may be the very soil from which God grows something beautiful and unexpected. Stay faithful, stay patient, and keep your eyes fixed on the One who sees the end from the beginning.
Watch the Sermon
Recent
Archive
2025
May
September