In chapter 41 Joseph’s time has arrived. Pharaoh’s wine bearer finally remembers Joseph when Pharaoh had dreams that his advisors could not interpret. Joseph is summoned from jail where he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. Through the inspiration of God he tells Pharaoh that there will be seven years of abundant crops and seven years of famine. Joseph does more than interpret the dream he gives a plan of action. Pharaoh is so impressed that he makes Joseph Prime Minister.
So here we have Joseph going from a spoiled son in Jacob’s house, then being sold into slavery and worse than that being thrown into jail when he was innocent. Now he has risen to Prime Minister. I am impressed when I read the story of Joseph. Most of us when we hit hard times tend to become bitter and not do our best. The Bible records that Joseph “blooms where he is planted.” When he was made a slave Joseph became so good at his chores that Potiphar made him head of the household. When he was unjustly thrown into prison Joseph’s attitude and work ethic earned him the position of chief trustee. When he was summoned before Pharaoh his attitude was one of helpfulness and not sarcasm. All of us could learn the lessons of Joseph. God desires us to “bloom where we are planted.” Bad things happen to all of us. Life happens in our reaction to them. I once heard Charles Swindoll say, “Life is made up of 10% of things that happen to us and 90% of how we react to them.” When difficult and bad things happen to us then we have a chance to prove our faith by our attitude.
“Lord, help us to rely on You completely, and when bad things happen keep us from being discouraged and bitter. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
I agree on you observation about making the best of any situation. My life has been a series of dramatic challenges and have lead me down a much different path that what I had initially planned. God seems to always be there at my worst times and as a result I have become at piece with whatever changes he has in store for me including hurricanes.
This chapter is a textbook of how we are to live out our daily lives. In our personal life we trust God with our whole hearts and we give all the glory for everything to our God and provider. In our secular lives we perform to the best of our abilities believing God will direct our steps and, if we listen to Him, and not turn to the right or the left, He will direct our steps.
In the midst of becoming number 2 in Egypt, God allows Joseph to become the father of Manasseh and Ephraim. Becoming a father allows Joseph to forget all that he has endured thus far in his life as stated in verse 51. It is so important for us to look for the ways in which God is blessing us and to enjoy the blessings He gives. In this way we can not only endure, but prosper - which is God's promise to us.
"Father, help me to sense Your presence in my daily life and to always praise You for your blessings and your watchcare over me."
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