God Has A Plan

TRAC CONFERENCE SUNDAY

07 NOVEMBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL AND PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICES

Rev Stanley Chua

Scripture Passage: Genesis 45:1-8 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary | When personal misfortunes and tragedies come crashing down on us, our faith may be shaken when our prayers appear to fall on deaf ears and we feel forsaken. In such life reversal times, we are reminded to hang on as God has a plan for each of us.

The biblical account of Joseph is an example.

Joseph was Jacob’s favourite son. While not denying other sons their share in his wealth and love, Jacob’s gift of a multi-coloured coat to Joseph stirred jealousy and resentment in the brothers.

Lesson 1 – one can have his share of blessings but still be jealous and resentful of the blessings God gives to another. If we are not careful, jealousy and resentment can destroy us and others.

On 2 occasions, Joseph shared with his brothers his dreams about sheaves of grain and the sun, moon and stars bowing down before him, alluding to them bowing down before him in future.

Lesson 2 – be careful in sharing vision and dreams with others. People who do not see your vision and are keen to protect their own turf will not understand and will resent you for your arrogance.

Through Reuben’s intervention, Joseph was not killed but sold to slavery in Egypt. At 17 years of age, Joseph’s life was reversed and out of control. He did not wallow in self-pity but took responsibility and made the best of his situation. He worked hard with good attitude and was promoted to manager of Pharaoh’s household.

Lesson 3 – God can open doors and make a way for us even in slavery if we continue to give our best and not give up.

Joseph’s peace was short-lived. Pharaoh’s wife accused him of attempted rape and Joseph was thrown into prison. But God used her treachery and deceit to bring His plan to pass. The cupbearer who was in prison with Joseph had his dream correctly interpreted by Joseph. He was restored to his position but forgot Joseph.

Lesson 4 – People may forget us but God remembers.

Pharaoh was confused by his dream and none could interpret it. That prompted the cupbearer to remember Joseph. Joseph’s interpretation and advice to Pharaoh propelled him to second in command in Egypt. The famine came as interpreted, affecting the entire Mediterranean world. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, they bowed before him but could not recognise him.

Lesson 5 – a child of God does not need to worry about vengeance.

Rev Stanley shared how as a young man he was accused of being a false prophet by the senior pastor of a small church before a group of elders. The elders did not support him even though the allegations were false. Feeling hurt and betrayed, he was too stunned to respond and was asked to leave the church. With the help of a small group in a Methodist church, he was nursed back to health to forgive, love and trust. Three years after he left the small church, the senior pastor was found to have abused his pastoral authority and other moral failures. The elders of the church who did not support him apologised after they found the truth. Rev Stanley had forgiven the senior pastor but God orchestrated his meeting with the senior pastor for him to release a word of forgiveness to him. God’s hand has been guiding Rev Stanley and raising him to be a Methodist pastor.

God has a plan for each of us. He can use the evil plans of man and turn it into something good (Gen 50:20). Bad things can be used by God to fulfil His purpose. Let us trust God even when we do not understand why things turn out the way they did (Prov 3:5,6).

(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through the preaching of God’s word?

2. How would you summarise the message of this section or story?

3. What are the implications for us through this message?

• What are the personal implications (for you)?
• What are the communal implications (for our gospel community)?
• What are the missional implications (for those we want to reach for Christ)?

4. In his closing, Ps Stanley shared a personal experience. Do you have a similar encounter in which you need to continue to trust in Him? Share with your group if you feel led and pray for one another.