Chapter 2
How could this happen
to me?
Joseph was a man who loved God deeply and had a significant
call on his life. He was loyal to his father Jacob and highly favored by him.
Out of extreme jealousy, Joseph’s older brothers sold him
into slavery which began fourteen years of intense difficulties.
1.
Do you think Joseph had to work through any
feelings of anger, hatred, bitterness, or revenge? Why or why not? What other emotions have you had to work
through as a result of being mistreated?
2.
In what ways can you personally identify with
Joseph’s story? How does his response and how he was rewarded give you hope and
encouragement?
3.
Jesus also suffered greatly. Why? Scripture
says, Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.
In this way, God qualified Him as a perfect High Priest, and He became the
source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. Hebrew 5:8-9 NLT. What
do the examples from Jesus’s and Joseph’s lives speak to you about the purpose
of your hardships? Consider
checking out James 1:2-4
4.
Look back over your life. Recall a situation in
which you were hurt or mistreated in what seemed like the worst possible way.
Can you see something positive about it now that you couldn’t see the? How did God prepare you back then for where
you are now? Using what you learned, share some words of encouragement with
those around you who may be going through a similar difficulty.
5.
Both Joseph and Jesus endured severe suffering.
How do you think they endured the bitterest kind of pain? What wisdom can you
gather from their lives to hep you endure your difficulties? Consider these
passages
Hebrews 12:2-3
2 Corinthians 4:16
