Gen 41:1 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream….
I’m not a tremendously patient person. And once I’ve hatched a good plan and attached a timeline to it, I get even antsier in the waiting. So Joseph’s story is a concrete reminder for me to trust God’s timing, even when I don’t understand it, even when I don’t like it, even when it doesn’t fit neatly into my plan.
Gen 41:9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.”
Genesis 41 takes place two full years after Joseph interpreted the cupbearer’s dream and asked in return only to be remembered so that he could get out of prison. For two years the cupbearer thought nothing of Joseph. By earthly standards, Joseph would have been well within his rights to be eaten up with anger and rage because of that oversight. But God in His infinite mercy was continuing to make a way, to line everything up just so, to refine Joseph’s character so that Joseph was ready when God’s timing was right.
Gen 41:12 “Now a young Hebrew was there with us….We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us….”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder to trust in Your timing, even when it is so very different from our own. There are many situations that I thought would be resolved by now, many times when I thought You would finally make a way, many times where I have chosen to respond with earthly frustration. But I know and Joseph reminds me that “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And My ways are far beyond anything you can imagine” (Isaiah 55:8). Help me to persevere, Lord, knowing with confidence that You continue to make a way, even though I cannot yet perceive it. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 41:14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.