Genesis 42:36
Despair can cause us to do foolish things, but faith in God's preservation can bring hope and peace.
Chuck Smith explores Jacob's despair in Genesis 42:36, where Jacob laments, 'All things are against me,' highlighting how despair can lead to foolish actions and a loss of faith. He emphasizes that Jacob's cry stems from imperfect knowledge, as he was unaware that his son Joseph was alive and orchestrating events for their good. Smith reassures that all things work together for good for those who love God, urging believers to place their faith in God's promises rather than their feelings. He encourages looking beyond immediate circumstances to trust in God's greater plan, reminding us that faith is rooted in the truth of God's word.
Text
"ALL THINGS ARE AGAINST ME"
Intro: Jacob's sons have just returned from Egypt with report of rough treatment.
Accused of being spies, brother Simeon being held as hostage. Benjamin must go
with them on next trip to verify their story. As they open their sacks of grain,
their bundles of money in each sack.
I. JACOB'S CRY, "ALL THINGS ARE AGAINST ME."
A. Despair can cause us to do foolish things.
1. Lash out at our friends.
a. "Me have ye bereaved of my children."
2. Exaggerate the problem.
a. "Joseph is not, Simeon is not."
3. Make rash statements.
a. "All things."
b. Benjamin shall not go down with you.
B. Despair shows loss of faith.
1. Faith hopes for the best, despair expects the worst.
2. Jacob got his eyes off God and on to the problem.
3. Just looking tit world could cause despair.
4. Just looking at our situations can cause despair.
5. "They endured as seeing the invisible."
a. Faith is not blind.
b. Man of faith sees more than anyone.
6. "We look not at the things that are seen..."
C. The cry came from imperfect knowledge.
1. If he only knew the whole truth, he would not be in despair.
2. That rough man in Egypt is his beloved son, Joseph.
3. Instead of great sorrow awaiting you, there is a great joy.
D. It is a false cry.
1. All these things have been ordained by God for your preservation.
a. Later Joseph assures his brothers of this fact. (45:7.
b. Joseph now had advantage of hindsight. "All the way my
Savior led."
II. "ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING
TO HIS PURPOSE."
A. This is not a promise, it is a fact.
B. It is a fact upon which to place our faith.
1. Faith should not be founded in feelings. "I felt chills," warm.
2. Faith must be founded in facts of God's word.
3. Feelings can vary, word remains.
C. We like Jacob often look at obvious visible circumstances and cry rash
accusations.
1. "God has forsaken me."
2. "How can I believe in God anymore?"
3. "God has failed me."
4. We lash out at friends who are trying to encourage us.
D. If we could see beyond today as God does see, they all our tears we'd wipe away,
our sorrows flee, or present griefs we would not fret each sorrow we would soon
forget.
E. One more verse that deals with "all things." Romans 8:35, "Who shall separate
us from the love of Christ?"
Sermon Outline
- Jacob's Cry, 'All Things Are Against Me'
- Despair can cause us to do foolish things
- Lash out at our friends
- Exaggerate the problem
- Make rash statements
- Despair shows loss of faith
- Faith hopes for the best, despair expects the worst
- Jacob got his eyes off God and on to the problem
- Just looking at the world can cause despair
- Faith is not blind
- The cry came from imperfect knowledge
- If he only knew the whole truth, he would not be in despair
- It is a false cry
- All these things have been ordained by God for your preservation
Key Quotes
“ALL THINGS ARE AGAINST ME” — Chuck Smith
“Faith is not blind. Man of faith sees more than anyone.” — Chuck Smith
“We look not at the things that are seen...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- When faced with difficult circumstances, remember that all things have been ordained by God for our preservation.
- Faith in God's word should be our foundation, not our feelings.
- Looking beyond today, as God does, can bring peace and comfort in times of sorrow.