Genesis 40:14-15 

New International Version (NIV)

But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”

For Meditation

Joseph, a man of faith, finds himself worn out and beaten down. His journey from his hometown, through Dothan to Egypt, and finally, to prison, is enough to break anybody. The prison is dark and hopeless; though God has favored him with a supervisory position, there is no hope for release. A jail is a jail, and the child of the Most High must break free into their destiny in Christ. He sees a glimmer of light in the chief cupbearer of Pharaoh and pleads for his life (Gen. 40:14-15). It is a cry of despair but a plea to the wrong person. The arm of flesh will fail you (2 Chron. 32:8), and Joseph gets a taste of it—the chief cupbearer forgets him (Gen. 40:23).

Momentarily, Joseph forgets that the same God he has testified to as the source of interpretation of every dream (v.8), is the Helper of his father, Israel (49:24). He, therefore, pleads to the chief cupbearer for remembrance, favor, connection, deliverance, justice, and vindication (40:14-15). However, we cannot find any of these in anyone apart from Christ Jesus, the same God who guided Joseph’s ancestors and is now guiding Joseph.

Don’t we all forget this truth in the depth of our crucibles-our most challenging and trying times—when “hard pressed on every side … perplexed … persecuted … and struck down” (2 Cor. 4:7-9). In desperation, we reach out for any hand that stretches to us. God seems far away and non-responding to our prayers. So, why not try anything?

But I have good news for you. If, indeed, Jesus is your Lord, and you have dedicated yourself to serve Him in purity and innocence, He has heard your desperate cry. In fact, He has already fitted your situation in His eternal plan, and fixed the time for your deliverance and all the blessings that come with it. It may take two years as it did for Joseph in jail, but your deliverance and elevation will surely come (41:37-44). This assurance in God’s plan should bring you a profound sense of peace and security, knowing that He is in control.

Never forget this truth, my friend. God can “do exceedingly,  abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV). It started with two personal dreams in the land of the Hebrews, through two dreams of Pharoah’s officials in a dark cell, and would end with Pharaoh’s two dreams in his palace. Then, Joseph’s dreams would find meaning in his elevation and unification with his family, the way God ordained it. This should fill you with a profound sense of hope and encouragement for your own journey, knowing that God’s plan is always for your good.

Yours may take a different path and circumstances, but trust the God who started your faith to finish it (Hebrews 12:2). Trust in His plan, for He is always faithful and His ways are always perfect.

Shalom

Prayer

Father, please strengthen me through the crucibles of my life so I can wait for you and persevere for your glory, in the name of Jesus, your Son, who knows the pain of rejection and suffering. Amen.