Lessons from The Life of Joseph (part 3 of 5)
Joseph ran into some discouraging times once again but his attitude remained positive and he kept his focus on God.
Starting at Genesis chapter 40, we see that Pharaoh’s chief cup bearer and chief baker offended him. So Pharaoh threw them into the same prison Joseph was thrown into. Joseph was responsible for them. One day Joseph noticed that they were kind of down so he asked them, “Why do you look so sad today?” They told him, “We both had dreams but there isn’t anyone to interpret them.” Joseph replied, “Interpretations belong to God. Tell me your dreams.” They did and Joseph told them the meaning of the dreams. Joseph said to the cup bearer, “You will be restored to your position you had with Pharaoh. When all goes well with you, remember me and mention me to Pharaoh so I can get out of this prison.” Joseph had bad news for the baker. Joseph told him that Pharaoh would hang him. Both interpretations came true. But the chief cup bearer forgot about Joseph.
Two years later Pharaoh had a dream and he was troubled because of it. He sent for his magicians and wise men to interpret it but none of them could. Then his cup bearer remembered Joseph. So Pharaoh sent for him. Joseph came before Pharaoh and Pharaoh said, “I’ve had a dream but nobody can interpret it. I’ve heard that you can interpret any dream.” With humility, honesty, and boldness, Joseph answered, “I can’t do it, but God will give you the answer He desires.” So Pharaoh told him his dream and Joseph interpreted it. Joseph said that Egypt would be blessed with seven years of abundance but seven years of famine would follow. He said that Pharaoh should look for a wise man to put in charge of the land of Egypt. He said that Pharaoh should find commissioners to store food for the years of famine. Pharaoh liked the plan and he asked his officials, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God?”
Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of his palace, people, and the land of Egypt. Joseph was Pharaoh’s second-in-command. Joseph was blessed. He carried out the plans for the seven years of abundance and the seven years of famine. When the whole world was going through a severe famine, Egypt still had food and all the nations came to Joseph to buy from the storehouses.
These things that happened in Joseph’s life are a testimony to the fact that God is in control of everything and He is faithful. When life wasn’t the best for Joseph, he still did his best. He used his God-given gift of interpreting dreams to help others. Joseph kept faith in God and he obeyed God. When that chief cup bearer forgot Joseph, God didn’t forget him. God used Pharaoh’s circumstances to bring Joseph to a new level. When Pharaoh told Joseph of all the great things he heard about him, Joseph gave the glory to God. Pharaoh looked at Joseph with favor and God worked through Pharaoh to bless Joseph. God made a way for Joseph when it looked like there wasn’t a way. Joseph kept the confidence in God and God saw him through. The Lord kept His promises...He always does!
No matter what comes your way, remember that God is in control and He wants what’s best for you. If life isn’t at its best for you, make it a point to do your best anyway. Use your skills for God’s glory. Keep faith in the Lord and obey Him. Come what may, glorify God. Live boldly because He is with you. God will never forget about you and He will make a way for you. He won’t ever let you down.
PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for always being with me. You see everything and You are in control. No matter what unfair acts are done to me while I’m on this earth, remind of these truths. Help me to live in boldness, peace, and Your will because of Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.