Genesis chapter 40 verses 6-7
When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?”
Genesis chapter 40 verses 14-15
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.”
Genesis chapter 41: verse 1
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile…
Genesis chapter 41 verse 8
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
Joseph must have been in prison for some time before the two other officials from Pharaoh’s court suffered the same fate. It would not have been an easy life, but I was struck that, in spite of his own circumstances, Joseph noticed that the two men were looking sad and troubled. If he had failed to notice that, the men would still have had the same outcome, but the cupbearer would not have been able to recommend him to Pharaoh. God was preparing the way for Joseph’s divine appointment.
The second point that struck me was that Joseph must have been hopeful that his circumstances would change following the cupbearer’s release, but he had to wait two years. Yet when the opportunity finally opens, we see no sign of bitterness and disappointment, just a man ready to be used as a tool in God’s hands, and so much so that Pharaoh recognised God’s hand on Joseph’s life.
It’s easy in difficult times to become self-absorbed in our own circumstances, but God expects us to look outwards and not inwards. God is working out His plans and He wants to use us in every circumstance. If we are prepared to be used, even in the face of disappointment, then the presence of God will be able to shine through us and be evident to others. God knows exactly what He is doing, even if we don’t, and we need to hold on to that, no matter what.
Dear Lord,
When I am tempted to feel downcast and disappointed, help me to look up to the One my help comes from, and hold on to the promises that You have given to me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.