As we've studied the life of Joseph with Scott Pauline, we've learned that this study isn't necessarily about Joseph, but instead about the God who was with Joseph, even in the darkest of circumstances.

As you look at your own circumstances through the eyes

of faith, do you recognize God's presence? Oh, that we could learn to live in the presence of God.

Be sure to stay tuned after today's study to learn more about Scott's book on the life of Joseph,

entitled The Lord was with Joseph.

When you're young, it is easy to live in the future. In other words, you're just always thinking

of a better day, a brighter day, someday out there somewhere. As you get older, as you

experience life, as you deal with things and people,

and frankly, as you deal with disappointments, it's easy to do the exact opposite. Instead of living

in the future, you start living in the past. And you get stuck. We're all stuck. At the last

place, we refuse to move forward with the Lord.

Where are you stuck today?

One of the great secrets to moving forward in life and to living in the presence of God now is you have to get past your past.

And so we return today to Joseph, serving the Lord in his difficulty.

What did he do in the prison?

Well, he did what he could, right where he was.

He ministered to others around him who were in trouble.

He waited on God, and then this is very important.

Please don't miss this.

He refused.

Listen to my wording carefully.

He refused to get stuck in his past.

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