“When all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” 40:14
“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” 40:23
Joseph must have thought, “Finally! Freedom! This is how God is going to rescue me! Justice!” As one who had learned to live in submission to God’s plans, he had to have seen a glimmer of hope when he instructed the cupbearer to “mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” I wonder if he ever expected the events of 40:23. Or 41:1…two more years in prison.
This account made me flashback to the story of his great-grandmother who reacted quite differently. Sarah decided to “help” God carrying out His promise of a nation, so she offered Hagar to Abraham. Joseph, however, decided to wait on God. He understood that God was in control (sovereign and supreme). And he had experienced God’s provision (sufficiency). Therefore, Joseph could trust (submission). We aren’t privileged to hear all of Joseph’s thoughts in his story. Did he question God? maybe. Did he get angry? maybe. Did he have moments of doubt, frustration, pain, sorrow? maybe. (I’m going to try to remember to ask him someday!) But we are given a very clear picture of his devotion to God in spite of his circumstances. As yesterday’s post pointed out, Joseph lived his faith. Saying “I’m all in!” was a moment by moment practice for him, a daily surrender, a healthy habit, a way of life.
So how do I get there? How can I get to that same place Joseph discovered…where trust in God is my first reaction not just a final reaction at which I eventually arrive? I think Joseph KNEW GOD. Yes, it helps to have experienced God’s provisions so you know He will come through…”I’ve seen Him provide before, I know He’ll do it again. He has a plan. ‘All things work together for good’ ” etc. Repeated sufficiency does develop trust. But for Joseph, I think it went deeper. I think his source was his relationship with God. In 40:8, before he even heard the prisoners’ dreams, Joseph says, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” Then in 41:16 before he hears Pharoah’s dream he say, “I cannot do it but God will…”! His “knee-jerk” reaction was trust in God! He was so in-tune with God, connect to Him as his source, that his first thoughts were always God-focused. And the result? A testament to an entire country and their ruler… “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” 41:40.
God, thank You for providing us with Your Word to show us examples of those who lived their devotion to You in spite of, and in the midst of, the heartaches of life. Your Word reveals YOU…Your character, Your work, Your plan. Today remind me that all I need is You. period.
Jodie (simply spoken)
From the archives. Originally published January 14, 2009.
Sixty-six books in a year 