Bible Chapter: Genesis 41

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God will use many different events to bring about His plan.  Joseph had spent many years waiting for something to happen.  In the process of this time, he was faithful to serve God and not be drawn into participating in sin.  Joseph did not make excuses to sin simply because many things were going wrong.  When Pharaoh had two dreams and no one could tell him the meaning, it was God’s timing to bring Joseph into the picture.  I have to wonder about the conversations between Joseph and the chief butler when Joseph was promoted to his new position.  What excuses and apologies did he make? It is an interesting thing to ponder.
    God’s timing brought Joseph to the position of the number two ruler in Egypt.  He was quick to give God all the credit.  When Pharaoh asked Joseph about interpreting his dreams he was quick to say that it wasn’t him, but God would give an answer of peace.  Because of his faithfulness over thirteen years as a slave and then a prisoner, Joseph was given a high position, he was able to marry and have a family.  He was greatly respected.  This respect didn’t come quickly, but it was well-deserved.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I think the lesson of faithfulness to God’s ways and refusal to compromise is a major lesson of this story.  After years of hard work and languishing, wondering when something would happen, Joseph is rewarded with more than he could imagine.  While we have no promise of what the rewards will be here on earth, we do have the promise of an amazing reward in heaven for obedience and faithfulness to God.  I wonder what went through his mind the first night he was no longer sleeping in the prison, but in a very fancy residence fit for a king.  Within hours Joseph went from a very lowly state to a powerful position of leadership.  Not many people could handle this.  God’s preparation over the years made Joseph ready for this and he filled his responsibilities well.
    It is a real challenge.  Am I willing to be where God places me and faithfully work?  There is an old saying “bloom where you are planted”.  That is good.  The apostle Paul wrote that he had learned to be content wherever God had planted him.  He was used in many powerful ways to change eternity for millions of people.  I am slowly learning that we don’t really know the impact we are making.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see beyond the end of their nose.  Often people don’t see beyond today, they don’t see the potential impact of decisions they make.  They don’t see the potential benefits of following God’s way.  I want to help people see the blessings of doing things God’s way.