Genesis 41 - 3.22.24
Scripture:
”Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”“
Genesis 41:15-16 NIV
”The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”“
Genesis 41:37-40 NIV
Observation:
The story of Joseph is one of my favorites. I admire how he stayed true to God even when everything possible went wrong. Now after being sold into slavery, wrongly accused, put in prison and when there was a glimmer of hope he was forgotten about. He gets an opportunity to come before Pharaoh when the cupbearer remembers he was supposed to tell him about Joseph.
Joseph does not take any credit. He speaks in faith that God would give the interpretation of the dream. When Joseph gives the interpretation of the dreams and a plan to put into place Pharaoh acknowledges that God’s spirit is in Joseph. He put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
After years of slavery and imprisonment Joseph is made second in command in Egypt. He is given a wife and has two sons. The names he gave them declares Joseph is enjoying his life. Manasseh-“God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” And Ephraim-“God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Joseph did not let hard times defeat him. He kept connected with God and at the perfect time God gave him the favor and put the plan Joseph dreamed in position to become a reality.
Application:
Joseph’s trials and triumphs go with what we learned Wednesday at Worship and Small Groups. God needs to work in us before He can work through us.
Plug here that no one asked me to do: You are missing out if you have not gone yet. It is so good! I am learning so much from the video and our discussion afterwards.
God was working all the long in Joseph to prepare him to be second in the land in Egypt. He also developed a humble heart that shined God’s light and wisdom that was evident to others.
I need to daily ask God to work in me and allow Him to do the necessary work. There are times it appears things are going in the opposite direction of promises and words given. But our master has the roadmap and is working all things together for good.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray I would be like Joseph. He walked in such a way that those around him knew you were with him. May I not take any credit for you working through me and instead point others to you. Please help me on this journey to remember that your promises are true and walk in confidence. As one of my favorite Danny Gokey songs says, “We just haven’t seen it yet.” I choose to believe your word and know nothing is impossible for you. Thank you for all you have done and all you have yet to do.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
