God Surpasses Our Hopes (Genesis 48:11)

“I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.” — Genesis 48:11

 

Summary:

Jacob’s delight in seeing Joseph and his sons teaches believers to acknowledge God as the source of every comfort. Jacob had long believed Joseph dead, yet God not only restored his son but allowed him to embrace his grandchildren. Throughout Scripture and Christian experience, God repeatedly frustrates the fears and surpasses the hopes of his people. He provides beyond temporal need, gives pardoned sinners more than mere deliverance, and often replaces lifelong fear of death with peace and joy. Heaven itself will exceed every report, foretaste, and expectation. Therefore believers should resist discouragement, refuse to limit God, and face future duties and difficulties with confidence in his power to do abundantly above all they ask or think.

 

Outline:

• Acknowledge God in every comfort
  • Whatever the means or instrument, God is the true source and author of every blessing.
• God overturns our gloomy conclusions
  • Jacob’s long sorrow was contradicted when Joseph was restored to him with his children.
• God gives more than his people expect
  • His provision often exceeds hope in temporal circumstances and spiritual salvation.
• Grace can transform the fear of death
  • Believers who once trembled may receive peace, courage, and joy as eternity approaches.
• Hope confidently in God’s future help
  • Nothing is impossible to him, and he can do far above all that we ask or imagine.