Today you should read: Genesis 40:20-41:37
Life is full of ups and downs! It’s like Kentucky weather; if you don’t like the weather today, don’t worry it will change tomorrow. No winter has shown that more than this one! The story of Joseph shows us this close-up!
In yesterday’s reading, Joseph, in prison for a crime he did not commit, tells the meaning of the dreams of the baker and cup-bearer. His predictions (from God) come true. All he asked in exchange for his goodness was for them to let Pharaoh know he was in prison unjustly. How did they repay his kindness? They forgot him!
Now, two years later, the cup-bearer (probably for his own gain) remembers Joseph. He tells the king about Joseph’s God and the ability he provided him to decipher dreams.
Have you ever felt forgotten by others? Ever felt used?
Joseph, through the power of God, tells Pharaoh what his dreams mean. He has enough boldness to even deliver the bad news about 7 years of famine that are coming and make a solid leadership recommendation. God moves on the king’s heart to accept it and Joseph goes from the dungeon to the palace. He goes from desperation to royalty in one day!
Things have a way of changing, just like our weather. So, look up. Look to God and faithfully obey and trust Him. He’s got it all under control.
- How does trusting God in the bad times prove to be a strong witness to others?
- How can you more fully trust Him?
By: Tim Parsons
JumpstartCPC.com 
16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
I love how Joseph is quick to remind people that he can do nothing on his own. It is the power of God working through him.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.
God help us to never forget that you are the true vine and we are the branches. Apart from you we are powerless.
Clearly Paroah believed in the supernatural. Before summoning Joseph, he first consulted with his magicians. And after all is said and done, he appoints Joseph as head of his affairs, not because of who Joseph is, but because “clearly this man has a divine spirit.” What a joy it is to know that we worship the true God who has all the answers!
Often are the times that I can look to my surroundings and, in some small way, I relate to the following account of Joseph: “They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons…” (Ps. 105:19)
During these times, let me not put my hope in dreams, “for in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness…” Instead I will turn my heart to You just as Joseph directed the king, knowing “until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him,” (Ps. 105:19) and in this turning rather, I will trust God. (Ecc. 5:7).
“Human reason, prudence, and foresight, must be nonplussed, that divine revelation may appear the more glorious in the contrivance of our redemption.” -Matthew Henry
Thank you for Jumpstart today!
Thanks for your comments guys.
After doing some research, it looks like the name given to Joseph by Pharaoh can either be “God Speaks; He Lives” or “The One Appointed By God to Provide Sustenance”. Either way it is, it’s pretty interesting how Pharaoh, even though he was likely a believer in the many Egyptian gods, could see how God’s hand was on this.
Good writin’ PTP.