UpStreet – Fall 2016
Have you ever been to the circus? The circus can be a fun experience. But have you ever watched the circus through the eyes of a child? How they suddenly point to the sky as they notice the courageous men and women who walk, skip, and even ride bikes three stories above you on the high wire. Whether on the high wire or in life, trust is important. If we don’t trust, we might miss the opportunity to watch God show up and do what only He can do.
Trust is putting your confidence in someone you can depend on.
Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:5, NIrV, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.”
Week 1: In Genesis 37 and 39:1-2, we discover that Joseph was his father Jacob’s favorite. He gave Joseph a colorful coat, which made the rest of his brothers extremely jealous. On top of that, Joseph told his family about his dreams where they bowed down to him. Eventually, they sell Joseph into slavery and lie about it to their father. Though Joseph was alone in a far-away country, he chose to trust God.
Bottom Line: When you think you’re alone, you can trust God is with you.
Week 2: We continue Joseph’s story in Genesis 40. Joseph is accused of something he didn’t do and finds himself in prison. Joseph still trusted God, and God was with him.
Bottom Line: When life doesn’t make sense, you can trust God is with you.
Week 3: In Genesis 41, we look at the next chapter of Joseph’s life. Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret. With God’s help, Joseph interpreted the dreams and formulates a plan to help Egypt survive through the seven years of famine that God said was coming. Joseph could have been worried and decided that the task was too difficult, but instead he trusted God and God was faithful.
Bottom Line: When the pressure is on, you can trust God is with you.
Week 4: In Genesis 42-45, where we discover that Joseph finally reveals his identity and forgives his brothers for how they treated him. Throughout his entire life, Joseph trusted God and realized that what his brothers intended for harm, God intended for good to help preserve their family.
Bottom Line: You can trust God no matter what.
Week 5: In Exodus 2:1-10, we discover that Moses was born during a time when Pharaoh feared that God’s people would overthrow his reign. God rescued him with help from Pharaoh’s own daughter who ended up bringing him to live in the palace and raising him as an Egyptian.
Bottom Line: Even when you don’t know what will happen next, you can trust God is with you.
Week 6: God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses gives excuse after excuse for why he’s not the person God should use. But Moses doesn’t have a choice; God has chosen him.
Bottom Line: Even when it seems impossible, you can trust God is with you.
