Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Read Genesis 40-44. Have you ever heard it said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?”
Did you realize that such an attitude can breed contempt for God? Who do you know that is more important than God? Sometimes God brings connections to us, but when we seek them out and pursue them for personal reasons, it suggests that our faith is more in our “connections” than the God of the universe.
In these Bible chapters, we find that for over a decade, Joseph had been a slave and/or imprisoned, yet he never complained even though he was innocent. He had helped those imprisoned with him by interpreting their dreams, a special gift given to Joseph by God. But, in 40:14, he begged the cupbearer to remember him and to help him as soon as he was released. Joseph probably assumed that he had his future release from prison in the bag. It was a “slam dunk”. But the cupbearer promptly forgot Joseph for two full years. It was not in God’s time schedule nor fitting to His purpose for Joseph to be released at that time. God was rolling up His sleeves and preparing a future for Joseph.
For followers of Jesus, it’s important to remember that God can do more for an obedient, submissive Christian than ANY human could ever do. While we might be treated unfairly, or feel like a prayer will never be answered, and it seems that we are alone, we are not. God is always working. It just may be that He is working in a way that we never thought of and uses people we never would have believed could help us. Trust God, His word, His timing and even if someone you trust seems to forget you, God knows where you are and what you’re going through every second of every day. Just trust Him.
Check out Ephesians 3:18-20. In your journal, explain these verses in your own words and write what they mean to you.
Pray: You are Elohim (el o heem), God of the universe. You are our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Judge. Lord God, remind us often, especially in times of difficulty, to seek You first. Be our Guide, our Vision, our Provider, and the One Who directs our steps as we seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness.
