What To Do In The Meantime

WHAT TO DO IN THE MEANTIME: The Providence of God in the Lives of Joseph, Daniel, and Paul
Romans 8:28-30
God often accomplishes His greatest work in our lives through the very circumstances we would choose to avoid.
God often does His best work in the meantime.
God knows where you are.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:29—that we might "be conformed to the image of His Son."

1. Joseph — God Is Working Through Preparation (Genesis 37–50)
Joseph's story begins with two dreams.
God frequently gives revelation before the realization.
Because faith grows in the waiting.

• Genesis 37:4 – Hated by his brothers. 
  
• Genesis 37:24 – Thrown into a pit. 
  
• Genesis 37:28 – Sold into slavery. 
  
• Genesis 39:20 – Imprisoned after a false accusation. 
  
• Genesis 40:23 – Forgotten by the chief cupbearer.  
  

I mean, if you only read Genesis 37 through chapter 40, you might conclude that God had abandoned Joseph.

Genesis 39:2, 39:3, 39:21, 39:23 – Yet through every one of those chapters, “the LORD was with Joseph.” 

God's presence did not depend on Joseph's circumstances.
God's presence is not measured by the absence of hardship but by His faithfulness in the midst of it.
In fact, Joseph's circumstances kept getting worse, but God's presence never diminished. 

Many of us pray, "Lord, use me."
God answers, "First, let Me shape you."

Joseph made the most of the meantime. Have you?

2. Daniel — God Is Working Through Faithfulness
Public courage always begins with private conviction.
God often sends His people into uncomfortable places because darkness needs light.

We frequently ask, "Lord, why am I here?"
Perhaps the better question is, "Lord, how can You use me here?"

But throughout Scripture, God often turns Satan's greatest attack into God's greatest display of power.
He was delivered while remaining faithful in the trouble.
Faith doesn't guarantee easy circumstances.

3. Paul — God Is Working Through Weakness
Philippians 1:12: "The things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel."
Sometimes our greatest influence comes during seasons we would never choose.
 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  
And sometimes God won't change your circumstances until your circumstances have changed you. 

4. Jesus Is the Greatest Example of Providence
Just like Joseph...human responsibility, but Divine sovereignty at work.
If God can use Calvary, He can certainly redeem your suffering.

But Sunday came.
Jesus walked out of the tomb.

Don't judge God's faithfulness by the chapter you're living in.
The Author hasn't finished writing the story.




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