Beyond the Weekend: Finding Hope in Family Conflict
In Finding Hope in Family Conflict, Pastor Jeff Manion and other teachers examines the life of Jacob. This series helps us see we make many of the same mistakes as Jacob. Like God does with Jacob, he is patient with us and continues to draw us closer to him. When we learn to rely completely upon God, we are more able to successfully navigate the conflicts in our own life.
Meeting Needs
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“We both had dreams,” they [the cupbearer and the baker] answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” Genesis 40:8
Read: Genesis 40:1-23
Listen: Genesis 40
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Fleeing from Potiphar’s wife was the right thing for Joseph to do. But it came at a great price. Joseph is falsely accused of adultery and thrown into prison. While there, he learns that two fellow prisoners—the king’s cupbearer and baker—have each had highly disruptive dreams. Dreams that they know mean something, but they don’t know what. These two are assigned to Joseph in prison and he sees immediately how much these dreams bother them.
It would have been easy for Joseph to ignore their discomfort. After all, “dream interpretation” wasn’t in his job description. But even in his pain and frustration, Joseph serves these men. In his undesirable situation, he sees a need and meets it. He didn’t wait to be healed (or delivered) before serving. He meets needs while he is healing.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Joseph’s example “raises the bar” on serving. He shows us we can meet the needs of others even when our world isn’t how we’d like it (or maybe even upside-down!). Today, do something for a family member or close friend that they’re not expecting. Mow the lawn, clean some windows, do the dishes or help them financially. Even if you don’t feel like it—do it anyway!
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
