- Scripture: Genesis 41:1–16
- The Anchor: “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.'” – Genesis 41:16 (ESV)
Two years after the interpretation of the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, Pharaoh has two dreams. In the first dream, there are seven plump cows that are eaten by seven ugly cows. In the second dream, seven good ears of grain were swallowed by seven bad ears of grain. This troubled Pharaoh, so he set out to all the magicians of the land to interpret his dreams, but none of them could do it. Finally, the cupbearer remembers Joseph, who interpreted his dreams correctly in the past. Pharaoh summons Joseph, and tells him the stories. Joseph says that the interpretations come from God, not himself.
The important part is not the dreams themselves, but the timing of it. This was two years since the last passage, so Joseph has had to wait for a very long time in prison. Is it a coincidence that Pharaoh had a dream and the cupbearer remembered Joseph near the same time? No, this is the work of God. God’s timing works perfectly. In our lives, God may make us wait for a very long time like he did with Joseph, but Joseph did not give up on his faith. He stayed strong in his waiting, and he knew that God would let him go sometime. He had hope in God’s plan because God was with him. Let us also have hope in God’s plans for our future. Let us not give up when times get hard or when God puts us in a season of waiting. Everything comes together for His glory and for our good.
The other thing I thought was important was how interpretations come from God. Is it a coincidence that the Egyptian magicians could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream but Joseph can? No, it is God again. Since interpretations come from God, He can decide who to bless with understanding. Lots of times, we think that God only has control over other people and events that happen to us. We don’t realize that He has control over our thoughts as well. He gives us free will to think on our own, but ultimately, He influences our understanding, and no knowledge can be held except by God’s doing. I don’t know if people still dream like they used to back in the Old Testament, but if people do, it’s most wise to go to God first, since He is the interpreter and the granter of knowledge. Whenever we go through things or we realize things, we can go to God to show us what it means or what the next steps should be. That’s something I’ve been doing recently. Even today.
God has been with Joseph throughout his whole life, even through the years in prison and in Potiphar’s house. He is with us as well. Let’s hang in tight as God works in our lives!
Reflection
- Joseph endured a two-year delay after the cupbearer forgot him, yet God’s timing was perfect to the exact moment Pharaoh needed an interpretation. When you are stuck in a long season of waiting—whether it’s for school results, personal growth, or an answer to prayer—how can you stay strong in your faith and keep hope in God’s invisible plan?
- You mentioned that God controls not just events, but our very thoughts and understanding. As you finish your water polo season and navigate a chill school schedule, are you proactively going to God first to ask for wisdom and clarity on the next steps of your life?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your timing is perfect, even when it feels like I am waiting in a prison of circumstances for years. Forgive me for the times I try to rush You or doubt Your presence in the “in-between” seasons. Help me to trust that You are the granter of all knowledge and understanding, and teach me to seek Your interpretation of my life before I lean on my own. Amen.