God's time

 

I guess many of us are familiar with the story of Joseph -Genesis 37 to 50. In chapter 40, Joseph skilfully used the gift God had given him to interpret the dreams of two royal officers who had ended up in jail. To the one who to whom he had predicted a favourable outcome, he pleaded: "…remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house." (Gen 40:14)

Then things came to pass as he predicted and the guy was released from prison and reinstated in his former job; only, he did not remember Joseph and forgot him (vs. 23).

How many times have we not been deeply disappointed and hurt because someone on whom we were counting to get us out of a difficult situation; people who had promised to act on our behalf had ended up turning their backs and totally forgetting us? Usually, when people want you to do something for them, they will promise you anything; but how many really keep their promises?

If you remember that we do not fight against flesh and blood, you’ll soon find out that Joseph would have been deeply wrong to be angry with this man. The guy did not forget him out of malice, ingratitude or selfishness as we will find out.

Indeed, two years after (vs. 41:1), Pharaoh had some dreams that nobody could explain and the butler remembered Joseph. He told the sovereign: "I must confess today that I have done wrong… You were angry with the chief baker and me, and you put us in prison… A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us" (vs. 9, 10 & 12). Pharaoh sent for Joseph who interpreted the dreams, made some very wise suggestions and was catapulted on the spot from common prisoner to the second in command in the most powerful kingdom of his time.

I am convinced that it is God Himself who shattered Joseph’s hopes and made the cupbearer forget to mention his name earlier. Indeed, if the guy had not forgotten, Joseph would have probably been released, but he would have never become the Prime Minister of Egypt. He could have ended up as a slave to Pharaoh or someone else. It was first necessary that there be a crisis of such a scope that people would be desperate for a saviour in order for everyone to realize that salvation could only come from him. This is how God wanted to reveal him to Egypt, for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God (Rom 8:19).

Let’s be patient. Many of our problems, blockages and difficulties are for the glory of God and our promotion. Let’s not get discouraged and murmur against men and God because those on whom we were counting have let us down. We have to remember that: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.” As for the Lord, "He has made everything beautiful in His time"; but we usually do not figure out what He is doing (Jer 17:5; Eccl 3:11). Let’s trust Him: He has a wonderful plan for us.

Have a wonderblessed week!