Last week we learned that God's
Spirit flowed so greatly through Joseph that even Pharaoh noticed
it and commented on it. Joseph was so close to God that he
immediately knew what Pharaoh's dreams meant and he also knew what
to do about the dreams. He didn't hesitate or waver; he knew
instantly what needed to be done because God was mightily with him.
And the same could be true of us. When we live really close to God,
we can also move more easily in His Spirit and know what God wants
us to do and say to other people. Wouldn't that be wonderful? How
amazing would that be to know what to say to other people and
knowing that it is God speaking through you! It is possible; you
just need to spend the time with God. Then breakthroughs will
come.
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream
and told him what to do about the revelation too. Pharaoh could see
God moving through Joseph and without a moment's notice:
"Inasmuch as God has shown you
all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall
be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to
your word; only in regard to the throne I will be greater than
you." And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See I have set you over all the
land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and
put it on Joseph's hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine
linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in
the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him,
"Bow the knee!" So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh
also said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man
may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." Genesis
41:39-44
I have read the life of Joseph many
times before, but when I read these verses again I realized the
impact of what just happened here. It is truly phenomenal and God
inspired. Where have you ever heard of a foreigner in jail rising
to second in command of the most civilized country in the world
within minutes? How on earth is that possible? He is taken out of
jail and given all the riches of Egypt, ruler over all except for
Pharaoh. No one can even lift a hand or foot without Joseph's
consent. That is unheard of, especially for a foreigner. In an
instant his whole life changed. He rose from the lowest of low to
the highest of high in a matter of minutes. Did he do something in
the physical realm to deserve it? No, not really if you look at him
through the eyes of the Egyptians. BUT GOD. It is so amazing to see
how God's will always come to pass. Joseph did his part, and then
God did the impossible. Joseph's part was to do the best he can in
the circumstances, to do good to others and to stay close to God.
And then God took over and exalted him within minutes, after
Joseph's obedience of 13 years!
Today the same can be said of us.
We need to do our part, namely to do the best you can where you are
at, to do good to others and to stay close to God. It is as simple
as that. Then God will step in for us at precisely the right moment
and exalt us to where we need to be. The problem with us is that
instead of casting our care on God, we keep the care, but we cast
the responsibility unto Him. We moan and complain and we do not
want to do our part. We become selfish and stagnate. We blame God
for things happening in our lives and we don't believe that He will
come through for us. And that is a recipe for disaster. We cannot
throw away our responsibility. Joseph would never have been exalted
if he had committed adultery with Potiphar's wife, or even if he
didn't, if he didn't have a good attitude in jail and didn't help
the chief butler with his dream he would never have been exalted
either. Joseph did his best where he was and helped where he could
and stayed close to God and he received his reward. And notice he
didn't receive it after one year or even two years of being
faithful, but after thirteen years of doing the best he
could! Remember that when you get tired of waiting or tired of
doing good. Keep on going, God sees what you are doing and will
reward you when the time is right. He knows what is best for you
and will always do that.
In the meantime, be patient, be
kind, do good and keep your responsibility. God will bless you.
Father thank you that our lives are
within Your hands. You are faithful and true and we love You for
that. Thank you that we can rest assured that You know best. In all
situations and in all things. Amen