Genesis 41 -- Give Me Wisdom Like That

This chapter begins with “Two years later …”  Joseph had been 28 when he’d interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants in Potiphar’s prison.  His last instructions to the king’s butler had been, “But when you are free, remember me.”  That’s what the butler forgot to do.  Yet it was all in God’s timing, for God waited until He was about to begin the seven prosperous crop years before the seven years of famine.  He had Joseph at the right place at the right time always.  The amazing thing was that Joseph knew and believed this.  He did not let his circumstances sour his outlook.  At 30, Joseph was facing the fact that he would be 44 before the bad years in Egypt would end.

So why did an Egyptian pharaoh choose a Jewish prisoner to lead his country through the next 14 years?  My commentary points us to Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord.”  May it be so here today in such measure, Father!

Joseph had great God-given wisdom as an administrator, and as God began to prosper Egypt ahead of the coming bad years, He gave Joseph two boys – Manasseh (“made me forget”) and Ephraim (“gave me children”).  So Joseph was able under God’s blessing to forget the years of treachery, hardship, and imprisonment caused by his brothers, and when he did, he became fruitful.

Father, I need You to give me wisdom and direction in many things.  Just as You did Joseph.  Help me to hear what You have to say.  Bless me as I depend solely upon You and not upon my own abilities.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford