Introduction

Good morning, beloved family. Today, we're diving into a story from the book of Genesis that speaks volumes about God's provision in times of scarcity, the importance of living up to our capacity, and the blessing of abundance. It's a story as old as time but as relevant as today's headlines.

As we get started, I want to share with you a quote from C.S. Lewis, "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of today's message.

Our Scripture passage is found in Genesis 41.

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God's Provision in Times of Scarcity

In the story of Joseph, we see a vivid illustration of God's provision in times of scarcity. Joseph, a man who had been sold into slavery by his own brothers, found himself in a position of power in Egypt, interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and advising him on how to prepare for the coming famine. This was no ordinary famine; it was to last for seven years. Yet, God provided for the needs of His people through Joseph, who was able to store up enough grain during the seven years of plenty to feed the nation during the seven years of famine.

God's provision is not dependent on our circumstances: Even in times of scarcity, God is able to provide for our needs. He is not limited by our lack of resources or our inability to see a way forward. Instead, He is able to multiply what little we have and make it enough. Just as He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, feeding them with manna from heaven, so He provides for us in our times of need.

A means of drawing us closer to Him: When we are in a place of need, we are more likely to turn to God and rely on Him for our daily bread. This reliance on God deepens our relationship with Him and helps us to trust Him more. It is in these moments of scarcity that we often experience God's provision in the most profound ways.

Serves to remind us of His sovereignty: He is in control of all things, including our circumstances. He is not caught off guard by our needs or our lack of resources. Instead, He uses these situations to demonstrate His power and His love for us. He is able to turn our scarcity into abundance, just as He did for Joseph and the people of Egypt.

A testament to His faithfulness: He is a God who keeps His promises. He promised to provide for His people, and He did. He promised to be with us in all circumstances, and He is. His provision in times of scarcity is a tangible reminder of His faithfulness to us.

Living Up to Our Capacity

Living up to our capacity is the idea that God has bestowed upon each of us unique gifts and talents, and it is our responsibility to use these gifts to their fullest potential ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO