WHEN LIVE GIVES
YOU LEMONS.
A Study of a young man’s trials
INTRODUCTION:
 What if your family abandoned, your employer
believed a false accusation against you, two
acquaintances abandoned you in your hour of
need, what would you do?
 Our study today will look at a young man who
suffered these very things and what happened to
him.
 I am referring to Joseph.
SOLD INTO SLAVERY.
 His brothers were jealous of him
…
He was the favourite of his father. Gen 37:3,4
…
He had dreams that he would rule over them. Gen 37:5-11
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This just added to the ill feelings his brothers had towards him.
 Let’s kill him....... Let’s sell him
…
They saw him approaching and put their plan into action. Gen 37:18-27
…
What profit is there.... v.26-27
…
What hypocrisy!
 Joseph is now a slave in Egypt (how would you feel if your family
turned on you?)
FALSELY ACCUSED
 Joseph begins his stay in Egypt.
…
He is sold to Potiphar Gen 37:36
…
Joseph serves his master well and the Lord is with him. Gen.39:2-6
…
He had turned his situation to his advantage.
…

Came about because he was God fearing.

Doing what was right in the sight of God and his master.
Sin was crouching at the door.

Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. Gen39:7- 16

Joseph falsely accused. Gen39:17-19
 Situation goes from bad to worse Gen. 39:20
ABANDONED BY HIS ACQUAINTANCES
 God shows him mercy. Gen. 39:21-23
…
Joseph was making the best of a bad situation.
…
He demonstrated a will to work hard no matter what his situation.
 Joseph interpreted the dreams of the baker and butler. Gen. 40
… The butler would be restored to his position.
…
The baker would die.
…
Joseph asked the butler to remember him and make mention of him to
Pharaoh.
…
Did not happen.
GOD’S PROVIDENCE
 God never left Joseph and Joseph put his trust in God. (Was not
willing to sin against God) Gen. 39:9
 God did not relieve him from his situation just made it more
bearable.
 Joseph eventually rose to the second highest man in the land of
Egypt. (I often wonder how Potiphar and his wife felt)
 How do we measure up in our time of trial?
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS......
 Place your trust in the Lord. Prov. 3:5.
 Turn your situation to good
 Make Lemonade!!!