James Bain spent 35 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, but he refused to become bitter. Please read the 1-minute devotion about Bains as an introduction to this study: Falsely Imprisoned for 35 Years.
1. We experience freedom when we believe God can use anything for our good.Review the story of Joseph in this 1-Minute devotion: Imagine & Dream and think about being in Joseph's shoes.
What aspects of Joseph's narrative below are especially incredible to you?
Genesis 50:15-21: 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
2. We experience freedom when we trust God and quit trying to understand everything with our human reasoning.
3. We experience freedom when we do seemingly impossible things in God's strength.
Underline the "impossible" commands in the verses below:
Romans 12:14-21: 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
These 1-Minute Bible Love Notes add some additional thoughts to this study:
We Can Be Victims or Victors
Didn't Want to Do it But Did it Anyway
© copyright, Gail Burton Purath, 2013, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated in 2020
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