Joseph helps his brothers, and us, to understand that the only way to deal with difficulty and tragedy in life is to trust in the Lord, and His good purposes - even when we cannot see them.

I. Faith Looks Beyond Death
A. Real Mourning
B. Real Hope

II. Faith Looks to the Lord’s Plan
A. Fear from Self
B. Pain in the World
C. Comfort from God

III. Faith Looks to the Lord’s Promises
A. First Fruits of Blessing
B. On to the Land of Promise

Questions for consideration: (1) How do we relate to others around us who seek to pretend that bad things do not exist? (2) What things in your life do you understand better now that time has passed? How can that help you in the future? (3) How are you securing your hope? How do you communicate that to others around you?