Strength for the Weary

Genesis 40

God cares for us in ways that we cannot fathom and His plans usually unfold in ways we never could have imagined.

Joseph was stuck in prison for something he did not do. 

I’m sure he must have been desperate to somehow be free of that place. 

I bet he thought his moment had arrived after he interpreted the baker’s dream of impending freedom and restoration to service in the Pharaoh’s courts.

  

If I were in Joseph’s place, I would have been packing my bags in anticipation of my certain release.

The baker however, did not make good on his word and Joseph remained in prison for 2 more years! 

How demoralizing that must have been.  My heart sinks thinking of the sorrow Joseph must have experienced in that hopeless situation.  I wonder if Joseph questioned whether he would ever be freed from that place or if life would ever take a turn for the better. 

It is clear from scripture that Joseph’s faith in God remained strong, but I wonder if Joseph ever had a day where he despaired of the life and the situation that remained the same-day after day and prayer after prayer.   

I wonder if he questioned whether things would ever change.

Joseph was not saved from his situation in the way he would have imagined, but he was saved.  In an instant Joseph’s life completely and drastically changed. 

This salvation did not come from Joseph’s carefully crafted plan, but from God’s mighty and unfailing plan.

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      God gave Pharaoh a dream that no one in the entire kingdom, but Joseph could interpret. 

-          God caused the baker to remember the “young Hebrew” who had a knack for interpreting dreams. 

-          God gave Joseph wisdom to give Pharaoh the true meaning of his dream.

-          God moved and Joseph’s head was lifted.  His sorrow was forgotten in an instant.

Joseph went from a ragged and dirty prisoner to someone second in command to Pharaoh himself.  He was stripped of his filthy clothes and clothed in garments of fine linen and a gold chain was placed around his neck.   

Joseph was given a wife and within 7 years Joseph had two sons. 

Joseph’s story fills me with hope and reminds me that hard times and trials can change in an instant.  God has resources and plans that I cannot imagine or even conceive. 

It also reminds me that God does not need my plans or ideas.  I need only to be patient and faithful, waiting on God; remembering that when He moves there is no one who can hinder his plan.

Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" - Isaiah 43:13