Daily devotions

Wednesday

It´sThursday - word from Genesis Number 34



'So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved  and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh,' Genesis 41:14.

We know that Joseph had been in prison quite some time before Pharaoh's baker and cup-bearer had their dreams, (40:1). Following the positive news that he gave the cup-bearer it wasn't long before he realised that the man he had so helped had completely forgotten him. Months turned into years. Poor Joseph probably could not think of any way that things could ever change whereby he might get out of gaol.

It is easy to feel that some things will never change and that we are permanently condemned to the situation we find ourselves in, especially as time passes by and we are unable to even imagine a scenario whereby change could come. That is to reckon without this wonderful God of Surprises we have. In no way could Joseph have imagined what dreams Pharaoh would have, nor what lay ahead for the mighty nation of Egypt, or indeed his part in the nation's salvation!

Note how Pharaoh sought answers from his own wise men and magicians before his cup bearer remembered Joseph and referred Pharaoh to him. Like Pharaoh, we too can seek our answers in conventional human wisdom rather than God. Conversely, in Joseph's situation, we Christians might wonder why we have been disregarded and forgotten despite our faithfulness. But we must never lose sight of the fact that God has plans for each and everyone of us. Whilst we might not know what they are, God tells us, 'I know the plans I have for you....', (Jeremiah 29:11). Whether he can trust us with the responsibility for what he has in store might well depend on how faithful we continue to be in dark times when all hope seems to be gone. Remember Abraham? 'Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping,' (Romans 4:18). Is God testing you to see if he can depend on you before he reveals his plans for you?

God can turn things around in an unbelievably rapid and miraculous way as he did for Joseph.  On a visit to Limerick John Wesley wrote these words, 'A few years ago, if we heard of one notorious sinner truly converted to God, it was a matter of solemn joy to all that loved or feared him; and now that multitudes of every kind and degree are daily turned from the power of darkness to God, we pass it over as a common thing! O God give us thankful hearts!' God bless you all.

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