"In God I trust". I will be bold!!! Part 1 Genesis 37:1-11

Genesis 37:4-11

“But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.”

Genesis 37:4-11

Child of God, what goals have you set for 2023? Is fear keeping you from starting that business? Is fear keeping you from writing that apology letter to that family member that was hurt by your actions, from fighting for your marriage, or your health? What spiritual goals have you set for 2023? Child of God, I want you to know that fear is of the devil. Do not allow fear to dominate your life. Live by faith, faith in God this year!

As a child of God, you should never allow fear of evil people to undermine your God-given path to success. Joseph was attacked by his evil and jealous brothers; they wanted to murder him. But God had a plan for Joseph. God’s plan for Joseph was greater than his brother’s plan for his life, and He rescued Joseph from their evil plan. Just as Joseph, God can rescue you from any evil plan of the devil.

 

As a child of God, move forward towards your plans by writing down specific goals. You will never reach your goals if you allow negative words from close friends and family members to continuously keep you down. Remember that God’s power and plan to rescue you is greater than any evil plan ( from a witch doctor) of the devil to destroy you or your children. Joseph was hated and rebuked by his family, but he walked in courage and never allowed the fear of people to hold him back from serving God. You cannot allow people to hinder you from reaching your full potential. God protected Joseph and He can protect you, too. Do not allow fear to hold you hostage and keep you from setting specific goals in your life.

If you allow fear to dominate you, you will not set big audacious goals for your life. When you are afraid of people laughing and talking about you, you will never know the power of God. When your life is driven by fear of people, you will experience burning out and bitterness. Why? You can never please people. When you decide to trust God completely and take action, nothing can stop you.

Are you being driven by complete trust in God, or are you driven by fear of people?

1. What are five signs that I am driven by fear of people?
1. You are always afraid to set goals. You are afraid that people will laugh at you if you fail, which then prevents you from setting your goals. 
2. You allow your past failures to hold you hostage.
3. You are disorganized in your life. You have no focus. You have no goals, so you are not focused. You have no sense of clear direction for your career or marriage.
4. You procrastinate because you are afraid of failure.
5. You do not read good books because you are afraid of new information changing your life.
6. You are quick to enter unnecessary conversations with immature people who have no vision. When you are criticized, you immediately defend yourself. 
2. What are five signs that I am driven by faith in God?
1. You set big audacious goals because you know that nobody can stop you except God.
2. You begin each day by reading the word of God for wisdom.
3. You work hard because you know that God will bless your efforts and make you better.
4. You reject mediocrity because you know that you have a great God who has great things for you.
5. You read biographies of great people because you know that God has great things in store for your life.
3. What are five ways I can develop courage in my life?
1. Spend one hour with God every day.
2. Write down specific goals for your life.
3. Share your goals cautiously with only a dear friend who cares deeply about you.
4. Pray for friends who can help you reach your goal.
5. Run from people who have no goals.
6. Revisit your written down goals every week.

Child of grace and truth, we all face setbacks in life. But we must remember that God can deliver us from evil. Do not allow anybody to stop you from  setting goals and pursuing those goals. Do not allow family members to stop you from reaching your dreams. Talk with God! Be wise! Only share your personal goals with successful people. Walk in complete confidence because your future is in the hands of God. Joseph's brother hated him, but God held him in his heart. God delivered Joseph. He can deliver you, too.