Psalm 145:4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Big idea: Even in the midst of dysfunction, you can honor God and leave a better legacy. Genesis 37 - 50 1. JOSEPHS ABILITY TO WITHSTAND TRIALS WAS DIRECTLY LINKED TO HIS PROXIMITY TO GOD. Genesis 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. 2. IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP, GOD STILL USED JOSEPH. Genesis 41:16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” Genesis 41:38 “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. 3. PROCESSING PAIN WITH GOD AT YOUR SIDE IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND TRUE HEALING. Genesis 41:51 Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.” Genesis 42:23-24 Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes. Genesis 45:5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 4. IN THE END, HE WAS FUTURE FOCUSED Hebrews 11:22 It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.