Serving While Waiting
This sermon centers on the tension between waiting on God and still serving faithfully in the midst of frustration, dryness, and uncertainty — modeled through Joseph’s experience in Genesis 40.
📖 Key Scripture
Genesis 40:1–8, 18–23
✨ Major Takeaways from the Sermon
1. Waiting Is Hard — But It’s Part of God’s Process
We are the “easy button” generation — we want everything now.
Waiting brings frustration, impatience, and emotional fatigue.
But God is not limited by our location, timing, or emotional state.
Waiting is not punishment — it’s preparation for elevation.
2. God Is Present Even When You Don’t Feel Him
Joseph was in a dark place, yet Scripture repeatedly says, “God was with him.”
God influences us in both positive and corrective ways.
His presence keeps us from making destructive choices in our frustration.
Even when others forget you, God does not.
3. Serving While Hurting Is Kingdom Work
Joseph was in pain, yet he noticed the pain of others.
Ministry often happens in dry seasons, not mountaintops.
Serving others while waiting is a sign of spiritual maturity.
Sometimes God places you in someone’s path simply to say:
“God is with you.”
4. Your Gift Still Works in Dark Places
Joseph used his gift of interpretation even though it didn’t benefit him.
True ministry is using your gift when there is no applause, no platform, no reward.
Gifts are meant to bless others, not elevate self.
God honors those who serve without seeking credit.
5. Serving While Waiting Builds Compassion
Joseph didn’t ignore the pain of others even though he had his own.
God uses our dark seasons to make us more sensitive, not more selfish.
Ministry is often inconvenient — but always impactful.
Encouragement, prayer, and presence are powerful gifts.
6. You May Be Forgotten by People, But Not by God
The butler forgot Joseph — but God did not.
People forget because life “starts to life.”
Their forgetfulness has nothing to do with your divine appointment.
God remembers you, sees you, and continues working behind the scenes.
7. Dry Seasons Don’t Cancel Your Assignment
Like a tree with dry branches still producing shade, you can still produce fruit in a dry season.
God often gives you influence, responsibility, and opportunity even when you feel empty.
Your dry season can still bless others — that’s the overflow of God’s presence.
8. God Protects You Even When You’re Surrounded
You are not consumed by what should have destroyed you.
God is your fortress, your keeper, your shield.
Even when your own mind tries to sabotage you, God sustains you.
Nothing — not people, not circumstances, not even your own mistakes — can separate you from His love.
9. God Has Snatching Power
From Deuteronomy 30 — God doesn’t wait for you to untangle yourself.
He snatches you out of situations you created, tolerated, or stumbled into.
Even when you go contrary to His will, He does not forget who you are.
10. Serving While Waiting Leads to Elevation
Joseph served faithfully in prison and was eventually elevated to the palace.
Elevation comes through consistency, humility, and obedience — not shortcuts.
God positions you to bless others even before He brings you out.