Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation ( Project staff: Neil Wilson and Katherine Cloyd.

Transcription

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2 Transformed by Trials 2004 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All italicizing of words and phrases in Scripture quotations are added by the author for emphasis. BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box Lincoln, Nebraska *Suggested Donation: The Internal Revenue Code permits you to deduct the amount you give to Back to the Bible that goes beyond the fair market value of materials we send you. To help you determine the tax-deductible portion of your gift, we ll show on your receipt the fair market value of materials and the tax-deductible portion, along with the total gift amount. Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation ( Project staff: Neil Wilson and Katherine Cloyd. Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Susan Hertzler, Rebecca Holmstedt, Mindy Kroesche, Tami Weissert Cover and Interior Design: Laura Poe Cover Photo: PhotoDisc Additional copies of this book are available from Back to the Bible. You may order in the U.S. by calling or through our Web site at In Canada, call or visit ISBN Printed in the United States of America.

3 Meet With God Series Transformed by Trials Woodrow Kroll

4 Welcome Welcome to this issue of Meet With God. During this month, we will examine the way we face the tough experiences of life and God s response to our reactions. The people we will meet in our Scripture readings all faced challenges, yet they accepted the trials of their lives and let God use those experiences to transform them. The biblical insights you are about to consider have been selected from the radio teaching ministry of Woodrow Kroll. We trust these lessons will provide an ongoing and encouraging extension of the ministry of Back to the Bible in your walk with Christ. You don t have to listen to Back to the Bible to use your study booklet. But if you can listen, the study will be even more powerful. We hope this series will not only encourage you to read the Bible, but also to study it. On the following pages you ll find devotional readings, questions to help you review and meditate on Scripture passages, and practical suggestions for applying the truth of the Bible to your everyday living. Our prayer is that as you use the Meet With God series you will experience rich dividends of biblical knowledge and spiritual growth. 4

5 From the Author Sadly, when we look around us, we see a world full of imperfections. How are believers supposed to survive and thrive when we re surrounded by evil? Even more, what do we do when everything in our lives goes wrong? What if we can no longer feel God s presence or love? How do we keep our faith? I hope in these reflections that we will discover how other believers found answers and comfort in their most difficult situations. We will see God s power at work through pain and trials. We will see a God who is in control, even when life spins out of control. You may be feeling right now as if God is very far away. I anticipate spending this month together discovering how to live life full of hope and faith and to discover that God is not so far away after all. I pray that during this time you will find that special peace in God that the world cannot understand or offer. 5

6 Remember It Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. The baker and cupbearer (or butler) were sad because there was no one to interpret their dreams. True/False 2. Joseph said that the interpretation of dreams belonged to. 3. The baker dreamed that a. three baskets were on his head. b. Pharaoh forgave him. c. Joseph was restored to his family. d. none of the above. 4. The was restored to his position with the Pharaoh. 5. The cupbearer did not remember to tell the Pharaoh about Joseph. True/False 6 Answers: 1. True (Gen. 40:6 8) 2. God (Gen. 40:8) 3. a (Gen. 40:16 17) 4. cupbearer/butler (Gen. 40:21) 5. True (Gen. 40:23) Week One This week, consider what your reaction to difficulties tells others about your faith in God. People You Meet in Prison Key Passage: Read Genesis 40 And they said to him, We each have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please (Gen. 40:8). For the second time in his life, Joseph found himself suffering undeserved imprisonment. This punishment was just another setback in a long line of constantly vacillating circumstances in his life. His brothers reacted violently to the dreams he had shared about his future. Then, they sold him into slavery. In Egypt he endured the shame of being sold like a common slave. But over time God had blessed Joseph, placing him in charge of his master s entire household. However, now Joseph sat in prison, bound between the Pharaoh s chief cupbearer and the chief baker all three men accused of crimes and awaiting their sentences. None of them knew how long they would be held. However, while the cupbearer and baker lingered at the mercy of their captors, Joseph remained in the care of God. His mind was not centered on his problems; instead, it was concentrated on

7 the power of God. When the cupbearer and baker told Joseph their dreams, he was able to move their focus to God and His control. While the news was good for one man and not the other, and while the dreams had no impact on Joseph himself, Joseph sought God and received the meanings of the dreams. This set the stage for the future. In our greatest distress, we can be sure of two things: first, that others have experienced the same kind of problems we have; and second, we have a choice to react to life s difficulties either in fear or in faith. As Christians, our reaction to our problems will be scrutinized by nonbelievers facing the same problems. Make sure your actions and frame of mind tell them you believe in a God who is in control. As you read Genesis 40, reflect on the following questions: 1. What kind of false assurance did the baker have regarding his destiny? 2. How did Joseph s words and actions demonstrate his faith in God? 3. Was Joseph s faith rewarded immediately? How much longer did he remain in prison (see 41:1)? How do you think that made Joseph feel? 4. In what ways did Joseph demonstrate the same kind of faith during both good and bad times? Apply It Think about the last challenge you faced in your family or at work. How did you react to the problem? What kind of impression did you leave with others? If you don t know, ask a close friend. This week, pray for the faith to react to challenges with a peaceful mind, trusting in Christ. Express It Lord, I often feel alone in my problems, but I know others experience the same pain. Help me to turn to You for comfort. Let other people see the peace You give me, whatever my circumstances. 7

8 Remember It Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in front of his entire household. True/False 2. There were still years of the famine to come. 3. Joseph told his brothers that they could live in the land of. 4. The Pharaoh wasn t happy that Joseph s brothers had come. True/False 5. Joseph gave his brothers for the journey. a. carts/wagons b. provisions c. new clothes d. all of the above 8 Answers: 1. False (Gen. 45:1) 2. five (Gen. 45:6,11) 3. Goshen (Gen. 45:10) 4. False (Gen. 45:16) 5. d (Gen. 45:21 22) Week Two This week, identify the trials in your life that God has used to mold your character. A Process of Refinement Key Passage: Read Genesis 45 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life (Gen. 45:5). Joseph s life seems to be an ongoing array of tragic events and unjust treatment. Whenever he rose from a difficulty, something would happen to discount his hard work and tarnish his character. Considering the disheartening events in his life, it would have been easy for Joseph to assume that God was against him. It would not have been difficult for him to sink into a deep depression, thinking, God is not in control. I am a good person so this shouldn t be happening to me. Joseph s life resurrects the common question that often leads people to harbor bitterness against God Why do bad things happen to good people? The question is ancient, echoed through the Old Testament by believers such as Job, Solomon and Jeremiah. Joseph faced incredible difficulties yet did not blame God. In fact, he did not waste time looking to place blame on any-

9 one. Joseph maintained his belief in God s goodness. He knew God was in control. Joseph allowed his time in captivity to strengthen and mature his faith and character. His integrity was sharpened under pressure. He grew from a brash teenager spouting about his dreams into a wise and humble man. We see the outcome of Joseph s transformation as he stands before his brothers, recognizing the unique role God has given him to protect his family from famine (45:5). A close relationship with God is not characterized by a lack of troubles. Bad things happen to good people. When trials come, the question we must ask is whether or not we ll allow God to use them to refine us, mature us, humble us and shape our character to be more like His. As you read Genesis 45, reflect on the following questions: 1. In what ways were Joseph s brothers refined through the trials that led them to Egypt? 2. If Joseph would have refused to allow God to shape his attitude about his captivity, how might his life have turned out differently? 3. Read Romans 8:28 and review how God specifically worked in Joseph s life to create goodness out of evil. 4. Describe the times when Joseph had the chance to blame others, but refused. Apply It Review the times in the past when you ve faced difficulties. How did those experiences shape your character? Take some time to thank God for bringing you to where you are today. Express It Lord Jesus, I don t always understand why bad things happen to me, but I welcome You to control my life. I don t need to understand; I need to trust. Shape my character and do not let me become disillusioned through hard times. 9

10 Remember It Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. The Egyptians detested all shepherds. True/False 2. Joseph chose of his brothers to be presented to the Pharaoh. 3. Jacob was years old when he came before Pharaoh. 4. The Egyptians bought grain from Pharaoh by selling their a. slaves b. jewelry c. livestock d. clothing 5. The people of Egypt were required to give a fifth of their crops to Pharaoh. True/False 10 Answers: 1. True (Gen. 46:34) 2. five (Gen. 47:2) (Gen. 47:9) 4. c (Gen. 47:16 20) 5. True (Gen. 47:24,26) Week Three This week, find deeper contentment by living under God s code. A Measure of Success Key Passage: Read Genesis 46:31 47:27 Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers (Gen. 47:3). Outwardly, the Israelite nation full of nomads and shepherds paled in comparison to the splendor and prosperity of the Egyptians. There was nothing attractive about God s people; the Egyptian culture was highly prejudiced against nomads and shepherds. Nonetheless the Israelites were blessed and protected by God. Thus, in the land of the sun god, they worshipped the true God and their lives prospered. There is something to be said about living by a different code. It s difficult to do, but it is also freeing. The Israelites lived in contentment for one reason God had instilled in them a new measure of success, separate from that of their neighbors. Living under God s rules makes you accountable to Him. It also means that your success is measured by His scale and no one else s. Shepherds were despised in Egypt; yet with God s planning in Joseph s life, the Israelites were welcomed

11 by Pharaoh and given good land. The Israelites maintained their separation from the surrounding culture, relying on God to protect and prosper them. As we live as Christians in the world, the value of our lives will be interpreted by a multitude of sources. Are you able to maintain a certain separateness? Are you influencing your world, or are you being influenced by it? As you read Genesis 46:31 47:27, reflect on the following questions: 1. Why did Joseph s family decide to live in Goshen? 2. In what ways do these passages reveal the relationship between occupation and status? How is this still a factor today? 3. How did Pharaoh and Jacob bless each other? 4. Describe the way Joseph acted as liaison between his people and the Egyptians. Relate his work with a Christian s responsibility to connect Christ with the world. Apply It Think about the ways your life reflects and differs from those around you. In what ways does your faith cause you to live by a different code? How do others in your family or work respond to that code? Express It Lord, at times my faith causes me to feel out of place in this world. I understand living by Your code can be difficult at times. This week, help me to be a bridge that helps people connect with each other and with You. 11

12 Remember It Answer the following questions on the passage you read this week. See answers below. 1. Asaph envied the wicked until he entered the house of God and understood their final destiny. True/False 2. During Asaph s time, the enemies of Israel had burned every place where God was worshipped. True/False 3. In Psalm 78, Asaph lists the following miracles that God did in the presence of the Israelites: a. manna in the desert b. parting of the Red Sea c. plagues in Egypt d. all of the above 4. In Psalm 80, Asaph said that God has fed His people with the bread of. 5. In Psalm 83, Asaph asked God to make the enemies of Israel like before the wind. 12 Answers: 1. True (Ps. 73:17) 2. True (Ps. 74:8) 3. d (Ps. 78:13,24,44 51) 4. tears (Ps. 80:5) 5. chaff/stubble (Ps. 83:13) Week Four This week, you will discover how disillusionment with God can actually bring you closer to Him. Casting Aside Illusions Key Passage: Read Psalm We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near (Ps. 75:1). Christians have often called it the dark night of the soul. The term refers to the times believers experience the feeling of abandonment or disillusionment with God. During these periods, God may seem far away or even nonexistent. Our prayers seem to hit the ceiling and go no further, and we begin to cry, Why? Asaph, through his poetry, described several times in his life when he felt completely forgotten by God. His psalms present us with a picture of a man who was unafraid to express his pain, anxiety and anger to God. These passages also show us a God who continually loved Asaph throughout his internal struggles. Being disillusioned with God is not something to be feared. The very word disillusionment means to cast aside all illusions. We need to do that once in a while because, over time, we may begin to rely on false ideas and assumptions about God and His character. God allows

13 us to go through times of darkness or feelings of aloneness to shake these wrong assumptions. Those experiences force us to walk completely by faith instead of by feelings. God is not afraid of our emotions. We can be honest with God even in our anger and pain and especially during the times when our feelings betray us. God is not controlled by our emotions. He doesn t disappear when we no longer feel Him. His love for us will never end and His promise to be with us will never fail. As Asaph proclaims in Psalm 75, we praise the Lord because He is near. As you read Psalm 73 83, reflect on the following questions: 1. List several emotions that Asaph experienced. 2. What questions does Asaph keep asking God in his prayers? What answers does he find? 3. How does Asaph describe the character of God? 4. What past experiences helped Asaph find renewed faith in God? Apply It Describe a time in your life when you felt God had abandoned you. How did you feel? Did your emotions affect your prayer life? Whatever you may be feeling, you ll probably be able to find a psalm written by a fellow believer who was facing similar feelings. What do you want to share with God today? Find a psalm that expresses the same emotions to God and use it as your prayer. Find a psalm that expresses the same emotions to God and use it as your prayer. Express It Lord, sometimes I have such great doubts in my mind. Help me to be honest with You about my feelings. I know Your love surrounds me right now. Today, I choose to put my faith in You, not in my emotions. 13

14 Remember to Pray for: Family Friends Pastor Missionaries Government Officials Salvation of Unbelievers Back to the Bible Christians Worldwide Revival Prayer Journal 14

15 Additional Scriptures for Study Genesis Samuel 15 1 Kings 19 Jonah Matthew 26:31 46 Luke 10:38 41 Luke 24:13 35 John 11:1 44 Hebrews 11:22 Learn more about this month s topic: Joseph: Making a Life Out of Lemons Back to the Bible radio series Cassettes (set of 3) Item # *Suggested donation $13.00 Canadian price $17.55 CDs (set of 6) Item # *Suggested donation $17.00 Canadian price $22.95 Transcripts of this series are available at Joseph: Living a Life of Integrity In this six-part Bible study, you ll discover how to have a persistent faith when you re in the pits and learn the even more challenging lesson of keeping your eyes on Christ in the midst of personal success. Item # pages, softcover *Suggested donation $10.00 Canadian price $13.50 To order: U.S.: call or visit Canada: call or visit 15

16 What do you do when everything in your life goes wrong? How do you keep your faith? In this study of the life of Joseph and other believers in the Bible, we will examine how they faced difficult situations and challenges, yet ultimately found answers and comfort.through their examples, we will see God s power work through pain and trials.and ultimately, we ll see a God who is in control, even when life spins out of control. Woodrow Kroll s speaking, writing and radio ministries have clearly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for more than 30 years. He serves as President of the international ministry Back to the Bible and is heard daily on the nationally-syndicated radio broadcasts Back to the Bible and The Bible Minute. His numerous books include The I Am God, When God Doesn t Answer, Empowered to Pray and 7 Secrets to Spiritual Success. Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with God. Using radio,tv, the Internet and other media, we share the Gospel message and help Christians grow to spiritual maturity. With broadcasts in 23 languages and an Internet reach to millions, Back to the Bible teaches the Word and touches the world Contact us for more information about Back to the Bible or this series: P.O. Box 82808, Lincoln, NE In Canada: P.O. Box 10, Winnipeg MB R3C 2G2

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