The Wagons Are Coming

And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. — Genesis 45:27

Jacob's love for Joseph aroused his ten older sons to jealousy, prompting them to sell Joseph into slavery and then to cover their deed with a lie. In the years that followed, Joseph rose from slavery to power in Egypt, while famine fell upon his family (Genesis 41:56-57).

As his sons journeyed to buy food in Egypt, Jacob looked around and saw his expectations for his sons and his land reduced to dry dust. But Jacob had God's Word. Day after day he reminded himself, "In blessing, I will bless thee and in multiplying, I will multiply thee" (Genesis 22:17).

Abraham : The Man Who Was God’s Friend

Abram, Abraham [Ā'brăm,Ā'brăhăm]—the father of a multitude. The original name of the youngest son of Terah was Abram, meaning “father of height.” Abraham was given to him when the promise of a numerous progeny was renewed to him by God (Gen. 11:26;17:5, 9). The Man Who Was God’s Friend                                Abraham’s place in the Bible’s portrait gallery is altogether unique and unapproachable. He stands out as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world. Chosen of God to become the father of a new spiritual race, the file leader of a mighty host, the revelation of God found in him one of its most important epochs. In himself, there was not much to make him worthy of such a distinction. His choice was all of grace.

Bound to Happen

Written by Julie Cosgrove

When the unexpected comes, it can help to talk about it. But when you don’t have someone to talk with, contact an online mentor, and receive a personal & confidential reply by email.

“When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.” (Psalm 105:17-22)

This is the way the Psalmist describes what happened to Joseph in the Book of Genesis. His jealous brothers left him to die. He was sold into slavery, but lived. God eventually raised Joseph up to be second only to the King, just when his brothers needed him the most. It was in a time of famine and Egypt, because of Joseph’s wise reliance and trust in God, had obediently stored grain away in advance.

Naomi: Having Hope Through the Famines of Life

And Naomi said, "I went out full, but the Lord has brought me home again empty." ~ Ruth 1:21 (AMP)

Have you ever gone through a famine in your life?

In this Bible study on Naomi, we will look at how God turned one woman's famine into a bountiful harvest. We will learn how, even in her darkest hour, God's plan was working to shine His light on Naomi's life.

Though she felt abandoned, He had in no way forsaken her. In all of her darkness, God had left Naomi a ray of hope.

This is the first of two Bible studies on the Book of Ruth. The next lesson with focus on Ruth herself. But, this Bible study on Naomi is here to give you hope in your life's driest seasons.

When You Can’t, God Can

Written by Brooke Espinoza

Are you walking a hard road today? Come talk to a mentor.

“…but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26b)

When we are going through a trial it’s hard to imagine how things will get better. God wants us to depend on Him in every trial we face. When we can’t, God can. God loves us as dearly and He is willing and able to turn our situation around if we will depend on Him, trust in Him, and wait on Him.

Pharaoh had a disturbing dream foreshadowing the seven years of famine that would come upon Egypt.  He told Joseph,“I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”(Gen. 41:15) Joseph was the king’s last hope. The pressure on Joseph to interpret the king’s dream must have been intense.

Instead of making something up to humor the king, like other wise men did in hopes of saving their neck, Joseph openly admitted to Pharaoh, “I cannot do it.” This was not the answer Pharaoh wanted to hear.  However, Joseph goes on to say“but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Gen. 41:16)

“But God” — I bet those two words were music to Pharaoh’s ears. Joseph couldn’t give Pharaoh the answers he sought, but God would. Not only did God give Pharaoh the interpretation to his dream, He used Joseph mightily to prepare for the famine and exercise his gift of administration.

What are you facing today that only God can turn around? No matter what you are facing, no matter what your need—rest assured, when you can’t, God can. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5), but with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

God thank you that no matter how discouraging my circumstances may be, I can have hope because You can turn it all around and make a way when there was no way. Help me Lord to do my part to trust you and wait on your deliverance. Amen.

Question: When you need help, which Bible verses do you turn to for wisdom and assurance?

godquestions  http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/03/25/when-you-cant-god-can-2/