A Living Hope
(Genesis 40; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

I. We become disappointed when our hopes for answers do not come as expected. (Genesis 40:14; Proverbs 18:14)
II. Disappointments can lead us into either hope or hopelessness. (Genesis 40:23; Psalm 62:5, 105:19)
III. Hope in God alone is the only way to defeat hopelessness and disappointment in our lives.
A. If your hope is in God, you will focus on serving Him and others. (Genesis 40:6-7, 14-15)
B. If your hope is in God, you will have a positive outlook. (Genesis 40:8; Proverbs 17:22)
C. If your hope is in God, you will include Him first in dealing with problems. (Genesis 40:8)

Five lessons to spur us on to hope:
(1) God is always sovereign. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
(2) God is good all the time. (Psalm 119:67-68)
(3) God’s promises are fulfilled in His timing. (Psalm 90:2; 2 Peter 3:8)
(4) We are responsible for our own behavior and attitude and not for others. (Galatians 5:22)
(5) God’s grace is always sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Application:
How would you counsel a Christian who was disappointed with God? What steps should he or she take?