We find ourselves in Genesis chapter 41, and what a powerful testimony we have here of the faithfulness of our God.
The Waiting Room of Faith
In the first few verses, we see a phrase that can be quite difficult for us to swallow in our “instant” society: “Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years…” (Genesis 41:1).
Two full years! Remember, Joseph had helped the chief butler by interpreting his dream, and he only asked for one thing: “Remember me.” But the butler forgot. For two years, Joseph sat in that dungeon. He wasn’t there because he had done something wrong; he was there because he had done something right!
Have you ever felt forgotten by God? You’ve been faithful, you’ve served, you’ve waited, and yet the “prison” walls seem to remain. But notice, God was not sleeping. He was simply waiting for the perfect timing—His timing.
The King’s Disturbed Spirit
Pharaoh has these two troubling dreams. He sees seven fat cows come out of the river, followed by seven lean, “ugly” cows that eat up the fat ones. Then he sees seven full heads of grain—or “corn of wheat” as the older language calls it—devoured by seven thin, wind-blasted heads.
Pharaoh is troubled. He calls for the magicians and the wise men of Egypt, but they are silent. This world has no answers for the spiritual disturbances of the heart. It’s then that the butler finally remembers his fault. He mentions Joseph, and suddenly, the prisoner is rushed to the palace. Joseph shaves, changes his clothes, and stands before the most powerful man on earth.
Give God the Glory
I love Joseph’s heart here. Pharaoh says, “I hear you can understand and interpret dreams.” Look at Joseph’s response in Genesis 41:16:
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
What a beautiful perspective. Joseph doesn’t try to “sparkle” or show off his wisdom. He doesn’t say, “Well, I’ve had a lot of time to study this in the dungeon.” He points directly to the Lord.
It is always a dangerous thing to touch God’s glory. If God uses you, be thankful. Give Him the credit. Don’t tell us how smart your program was or how wise your strategy was. Just say, “God did it.”
The Interpretation and the Elevation
God reveals through Joseph that seven years of great plenty are coming, followed by seven years of such severe famine that the plenty will be forgotten. Because the dream was doubled, it meant the thing was established by God and would shortly come to pass.
Joseph, led by the Spirit, gives Pharaoh a plan: Find a wise man, appoint officers, and take up one-fifth of the harvest during the good years to store it for the bad.
Pharaoh looks at this young Hebrew and says, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). In an instant, Joseph goes from the dungeon to being the second-in-command of all Egypt. He is given the royal ring, fine linen, and a gold chain. As he rides in the second chariot, the people cry out, “Bow the knee!”
Hindsight and the Eternal Perspective
As we look at Joseph’s life, we see a “type” of Jesus Christ.
- Joseph was rejected by his brothers; Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not.
- Joseph was sold for silver; Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver.
- Joseph was falsely accused and suffered; Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, suffered for our sake.
- Joseph was exalted to save the world from famine; Jesus is exalted to the right hand of God to save the world from sin.
Looking back, Joseph could see that every trial—the pit, the slavery, the prison—was a necessary step to get him to the palace to save lives.
We often go through “valleys” where the cliffs are so high we can’t see anything but the struggle. But occasionally, God brings us to a “vista point” where we can look back and say, “Oh, I see it now! If I hadn’t gone through that trial, I wouldn’t have made that contact or learned that lesson.”
God is preparing you to reign with Him. That is the ultimate goal. The trials you face today are the “schooling” necessary for your eternal position in His kingdom.
A Challenge for Believers
Are you counting it all joy when you fall into various trials? It’s hard, isn’t it? But remember that your “light affliction,” which is but for a moment, is working for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Don’t get discouraged under your circumstances. Keep your eyes on the invisible. We are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God. Face the world with a smile today, knowing that God’s hand is on your life.
An Invitation to Give Your Life to Jesus
Perhaps you feel like you are in a famine of the soul. You’ve been looking for satisfaction in the “magicians” of this world, and you’re still empty.
Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross to pay the price for your sins. He didn’t just die; He rose again, and His resurrection declares that He is the living God, the only Savior, and the true Lord. He is the “Bread of Life.” If you are hungry for peace, for forgiveness, and for a purpose that lasts forever, I invite you to turn to Him right now. Simply tell Him, “Lord, I’m a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again. Come into my life and be my Lord.” He will give you an answer of peace.