Series: Genesis March 20, 2005

Message: “Prepared in Prison” Ch 39:21-40:23

Big Idea: God uses the pit as part of the process to bring about His

promise to make us more like Christ.

I. THE TESTS OF LIFE

A. WHAT we know about the tests of life:

1. They are INEVITABLE

2. They are SCHEDULED

3. They are for a PURPOSE

B. WHY we are tested:

1. To bring GLORY to God.

2. To cause us to become more like CHRIST.

II. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE TODAY

A. BLESSING in spite of adversity 39:21-23

1. Been there done that…

a. Both times he starts at the BOTTOM

b. Both times he rises to the TOP

c. Both times God was WITH him

2. Suffering for righteousness sake

B. FAITHFULNESS in the midst of adversity 40:1-19

1. DISCOURAGING circumstances – a stronger faith vs. 1-4

2. God-given OPPORTUNITIES – a demonstrative faith vs. 5-19

a. Dreams in Scripture

b. Dream of the cupbearer

c. Dream of the baker

C. ENCOURAGMENT through adversity vs. 20-23

1. REMEMBERED by God

2. FORGOTTEN by man

III. APPLICATIONS

A. There are no SHORTCUTS to growing in your walk with God.

You must walk with God through ALL the circumstances of life.

STAY the course.

B. Your response to your circumstance is either making you

BITTER or making you BETTER. Keep your focus on GOD.

C. WOE to the man or woman who has to learn the basic principles

of walking with God in the time of CRISIS. Get GROWING.

**Please be prayerful and quiet as we come to the end of our study.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring life change in response to the Word.**