Handling Disappointment

Genesis 40

In the disappointments of life...

1. Be servant-minded not self-pitying.

Genesis 40:1-8

Philippians 2:14

Numbers 11:1

Genesis 40:9-19

Proverbs 16:3

2. When forgotten know you're not forsaken.

Genesis 40:20-23

Habbakuk 1:5

Application

How does Joseph point us to Jesus?

1.Jesus is the suffering servant

Mark 10:45

John 13:15

2.Jesus will never leave us

Matthew 28:19-20

Isaiah 41:10-13

God is at Work Even When Life Disappoints

Warm Up

Have you ever done something kind or helpful for someone—and they forgot to thank you or acknowledge it? How did that make you feel?

Sermon Questions

God at Work in Disappointment

Read Genesis 40:1-23.

Be servant-minded, not self-pitying (vv. 1–19)

What do you notice about Joseph’s attitude, even though he had every reason to feel sorry for himself?

In verse 6, why do you think Joseph even noticed the cupbearer and baker were sad?

What does Philippians 2:14 teach us about complaining? How does Joseph live this out?

Proverbs 16:3 says to commit your work to the Lord. How do you think Joseph did that in prison?

Key point: Joseph didn’t stop serving God and others—even in a hard place.

When forgotten, know you’re not forsaken (vv. 20–23)

How do you think Joseph felt when the cupbearer forgot him?

Read Habakkuk 1:5. What might God be doing “behind the scenes” in Joseph’s life?

Have you ever felt forgotten by others—but later saw that God was working for your good?

Application: How Does Joseph Point to Jesus?

Read Mark 10:45 and John 13:15.

How did Jesus serve others even when He was mistreated and forgotten?

Read Matthew 28:19–20 and Isaiah 41:10–13.

How does knowing Jesus is always with you help you in seasons of disappointment?

Challenge:

This week, ask God to help you notice someone else’s need—even if you’re in a hard place yourself. Like Joseph, be a servant. And remember, even if others forget you—God never does.

Prayer Prompt:

• Thank God for being with us even when we feel forgotten.

• Ask for a heart like Joseph's: faithful, serving, and trusting God in all seasons.

• Invite everyone to silently name an area of disappointment—and give it to God.