2014-03-22 - Joseph

Part 2

At the end of last week's study, Joseph was stuck in an Egyptian prison, with no hope for freedom. He must have been wondering if God had forgotten him. Joseph's outlook must have seemed bleak. But God had plans for him.

Two years passed, while Joseph was in prison. Then the Pharaoh had two dreams that no one could interpret. Joseph's former cellmate, the chief cupbearer, remembered that Joseph had revealed the meaning of dreams in prison, so Joseph was brought before the Pharoah. Joseph revealed that the Pharoah's dreams meant seven years of abundant crops, followed by seven years of famine. The Pharoah recognized that God had given Joseph the discernment to interpret the dreams. So Joseph was made second-in-command of the land of Egypt. Joseph spent his time preparing Egypt for the famine. He collected grain from the people and stored it up. When the famine came, he and Egypt were well-prepared.

Joseph's father and brothers suffered during the famine, and to survive, they eventually went to Egypt for grain. Joseph recognized his brothers when they appeared before him, but they did not know it was him. After some time, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. Years before, they had meant to harm their brother, by selling him into slavery. But God's plan was for Joseph to provide for them, years later. In Genesis 45:7, Joseph said, "But God sent me ahead of you, to preserve for you a remnant on Earth, and to save your lives by great deliverance." (NIV)

We may not always understand God's plans for us, and we may spend years wondering what is in store for us. But like Joseph, we can be assured that God has a plan for our lives. We must put our trust in Him.

 Richard Moser, Jr
http://www.cfdevotionals.org