Severe Mercy

This message examines another common reason the Lord allows suffering and trials into our lives - that is to test our hearts and expose areas where we are not trusting God and turning from sin.

These 3 chapters of Genesis are overviewed to show the pattern of testing Joseph submitted his brothers to, to expose their resentful hearts and lead them to repentance. Given the chance to repeat their betrayal of 20 years earlier, the brothers choose a different path, their lives having been transformed by God.

In the big picture, you'll see how God uses testing to lead us back to the Good News of forgiveness found in Christ. You'll also hear a powerful story of substitution and how it points forward to the Cross.