Our Rough Drafts

Genesis 37:5-11   

Acting is [an] essential key to becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ. As we act, He will guide and direct us along the way. I am sure that Nephi was seeking guidance from the Lord...He recalled, “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” ...This is how the Lord works as we put forth effort and act, even when we do not have a clear understanding of what needs to be done. The Lord told Nephi what to do: go and get the plates. But He did not tell Nephi how to do it. He left it to Nephi to figure out and seek the Lord’s help—and this is often how the Lord works in our lives. As we act in faith, the Lord guides and directs us.

-  Ciro Schmeil, Faith to Act and Become 

Genesis 37:3-4

Genesis 37:18-27 

Joseph was especially loved by his father, Jacob, which occasioned bitterness and jealousy on the part of his brothers... [They] determined to sell Joseph rather than leaving him to die...when the brothers of Joseph came to Egypt to buy corn, they were blessed by this favored man in Egypt—even their own brother. Joseph could have dealt harshly with his brothers for the callous and cruel treatment he had earlier received from them. However, he was kind and gracious to them and won their favor and support... 

-  President Thomas S. Monson, Compassion 

Genesis 39:1-6 

Genesis 39:20-23  

Joseph found himself in a strange land with strange customs, a strange religion, and worst of all, being sold as a slave. Joseph presented himself so well and so ably that he was purchased by “Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard...And the Lord was with Joseph, [and he carried a spirit with him that helped as he became] a prosperous man"...in each situation in which Joseph found himself that the Lord was with him. It was easy to recognize the special spirit in him because of the way he lived and heeded the voice of the Lord to direct him.  

-  L. Tom Perry, Becoming Men in Whom the Spirit of God Is  

Genesis 39:7-12 

One of Satan’s clever tactics is to tempt us to concentrate on the present and ignore the future... He tempts us with the transitory pleasures of the world so that we will not focus our minds and efforts on the things that bring eternal joy. The devil is a dirty fighter, and we must be aware of his tactics…Some standards must not be compromised…once you understand the standards, you must determine that you will live by them...You must be as Joseph who fled from the presence of Potiphar’s wife rather than sin against God. You must avoid moral misconduct by making a firm decision to avoid compromising situations and to stand firm for what is right. You must have self-control and high goals.

-  M. Russell Ballard, Purity Precedes Power  

Genesis 41:9-15 

Joseph of old, sold into slavery as a youth by his own brothers, in his anguish turned to God...and was prospered even in prison. Joseph suffered a further crushing disappointment when the prisoner he befriended, despite his promise to help Joseph, forgot all about him after being restored to his position in Pharaoh’s court. In due course, as you know, the Lord intervened to put Joseph in the highest position of trust and power next to Pharaoh, enabling Joseph to save the house of Israel. Surely Joseph could attest “that all things work together for good to them that love God.”…no matter what our mortal experience may entail, we can trust God and find joy in Him.

- President D. Todd Christofferson, Our Relationship with God 

Genesis 41:25-37 

From the beginning of time, the Lord has provided direction to help His people prepare spiritually and temporally against the calamities and trials that He knows will come as part of this mortal experience. These calamities may be personal or general in nature, but the Lord’s guidance will provide protection and support to the extent that we heed and act upon His counsel. A wonderful example is provided in an account from the book of Genesis, where we learn of Joseph in Egypt and his inspired interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream…Today we are blessed to be led by prophets who understand the need for us to prepare against the calamities “which should come”.

-  W. Christopher Waddell, There Was Bread  

 Genesis 24:1-4, 16-28, 58-67   

 Genesis 25:27-34  

 Genesis 28:10-22    

Genesis 29:31-35  

Genesis 30:1-24  

Genesis 32:6-12  

Genesis 33:1-4 

 Genesis 32:24-28