'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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