Welcome to another article by Bernard Plume. It is not only a great message for ministers but also an excellent example of a sermon outline.

SEIZING YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Genesis 41:14-57

Joseph’s Example - Divine Wisdom Applied in Crisis

v 38 “ Can we find anyone so obviously filled with the Spirit of God “ NLT.

Joseph overcame a Physical Famine for deliverance of nations

Today we face “Famines” Of Morality-Righteousness-Integrity, Character “ Holiness, etc.

What qualities do we need to truly seize the day like Joseph did?

1 - Joseph was READY v14

Quickly from Prison yet he – Washes/ Shaves / Changes Clothes
Simple Gestures say 3 Things – I am Pushing off the Past –
I am Prepared for the Present – I am Projecting out to the Future.

When God Stirs Satan attacks these 3 Areas
Tie you to the Past (Joseph your pride was your downfall )
Says Present Problem is too Big- (Pharaoh will not listen )
Paralyze your Future – (What if your master plan fails)

O/T Example Philistines/Goliath/Israel
Past – Philistines had overcome Israel before
Present- A Towering Giant Hurls abuse
Future - Looks like Defeat and Slavery

When you WASH – You REJECT Accusations/Dirt of PAST
When you SHAVE – You REMOVE stubble of Depression/Inertia
When you CLOTHE – You RISE to face a New Day

Conclusion - Be Refreshed – Be Ready

2 - Joseph had a RELATIONSHIP v16.

Beyond MY Power but GOD will give you REST
Ch 39/40 Joseph is at rest in difficult days his own “Storehouse” of experience via Relationship is being FILLED. Via Pit / Prison /Palace
1 Sam 17: 34-37 David: Drew from Storehouse previous victory over Lion/Bear- so ready for battle with Goliath
Acts 12:6 Peter Rests in Prison because he has a “Storehouse” 5 Examples
Acts 2 Pentecost Empowered- Acts 3 Lame Healed and Shadow Heals Acts 5 Previous Release from prison
Acts 9 Dorcas raised Acts 10 Cornelius Household Saved.

God through Relationship will FILL your Store in Difficult Times Ready to FEED Others.

Jesus said “You give them to eat” to the 12 based on what they had seen/experienced - but they did not rise to the challenge!

Conclusion - Be FILLED to FEED Others

3 - Joseph Overcame REJECTION v45-52

Ch 37:23 Rejection of his BROTHERS –Rejection by his Employers –Potiphar/Wife 39:19 Rejection fellow Prisoner (Butler) 40:23
You may be rejected like Joseph at Multiple levels
At Family level- At Employment level - at Church level

Names of his 2 Sons Born in Egypt shows he OVERCAME rejection
V51 – Manasseh – God has made me FORGET (Forgive)
V52 Ephraim - God has made me FRUITFUL - Double fruit in Affliction
V45 Gracious Testimony to his closest Rejecters/Brothers
God has allowed it ALL for MY/OUR Good

Conclusion – Rejection seeds either Barren Bitterness or Fruitful Forgiveness

4 – Joseph had a Pure REVELATION v 16

GOD will give an Answer- Practical Revelation for Present & Future
We should walk in Pure Relationship with God & Man, & overcome Rejection through Forgiveness thus our Revelation is not spoiled by Self Agendas
(BJP Example) –“You’ve come back” Lady sought to control me via false prophecy/an impure agenda
Paul’s example – Relationship- Galtn 1:17 Arabia/Damascus No man taught me—Acts 9:26 Overcame Initial Rejection of Church so he could bring a PURE Revelation/ Rebuke even to PETER Galtn 2:11 Leading Church apostle.

Conclusion - We need PURE SELFLESS Revelation

5 - Joseph had a “ROUTE”v 30-37

A Wise & Structured plan of Provision for the Future
Take a Fifth and store – He adjust aspects of plan according to changing situation ch 47:15-26 Money-Livestock-Land-People
Quote Henry Kissinger “ If you do not know where you are going, every road leads Nowhere”
Quote Leyroy Eims:
“A leader is one who sees more than others see,
who sees Further than others see, and who sees before others do”
To Offer a Route and expect that others will follow we must support this with Character & Example. Joseph had exemplary character though Hard times
Quote – Albert Schweitzer:
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others it is the ONLY thing”

Sensible administration is not at odds with a spirit of Revival
Examples – Jesus moved in administration
Jesus was an administrator- yet also moved in Power
Mk 3:9 Have a boat ready – why- So I am not crushed and to provide a natural amphitheatre Mthw 10:1 Specific Instructions on Sending out 2 x 2
Mk 6:39 Sit in Companies to receive and for collection of waste
Mthw 26:18/19 Preparation for Final Passover meal
Israel. Numbers 1&2 Ordered Camping/marching-Tabernacle centre
Early Church- Acts 6:3 In revival Deacons to administer Practical aid
Anointing & Administrators are not Competitors or Exclusive
But Partners together in Revival

Business has SMARTER Objectives
Specific- Measurable- Achievable- Realistic- Time Constrained Evaluate- Refresh
Quote: “If we fail to plan – we plan to fail”
People are attracted to Individuals/Churches that have a Clear Focus and a Clear Methodology - In simple Terms: This is where we are going- and this is how we are going to get there

Conclusion - What is your route – Where does it lead?

6 – Joseph bought RELIEF v 41-56

In famine he OPENED Storehouse and met need
If we are READY- If we have RELATIONSHIP- Overcome REJECTION- Have a pure REVELATION and a ROUTE
Then we can Bring Real RELIEF
Gospel flows through the WHOLE Church to the WHOLE of Mankind to meet the WHOLE Need
A Widow fed a Prophet- A Rich man gave a Tomb for Jesus
All of us can be providers.

Conc- Individually & Corporately we are a “Storehouse”


SUMMARY –

• Joseph was READY
• In RELATIONSHIP
• Overcame REJECTION
• Brought pure REVELATION
• Had a ROUTE
• Gave RELIEF