Genesis 41

Scripture:  Genesis 41:1-36

Observation:  Two full years have past since the butler was released from prison.  It comes to pass that Pharaoh has two very strange dreams, and no matter who he tells them to, no one can understand or interpret them.  It's at this time that the butler remembers Joseph, and tells Pharaoh of his experience with Joseph in prison.  Joseph is sent for, and Pharaoh asks if he can interpret the dreams.  Joseph says no, only God can interpret dreams.  Pharaoh proceeds to tell Joseph his two dreams:  first, he dreamed of 7 fat and robust cows feeding in a meadow that get eaten up by 7 skinny, ugly cows that come out of the river.  Incredibly enough, the skinny cows are still skinny and ugly after eating the fat cows.  He then dreamed of a stalk with 7 plump, healthy heads of grain that get eaten up by 7 thin heads that were wind-beaten by the east wind.  Upon hearing both dreams, Joseph informs Pharaoh that both dreams have the same meaning.  There will be 7 years of plentiful harvests, very fruitful years, followed by 7 years of severe famine as none had ever seen before.  The reason Pharaoh had two dreams was to emphasize that this was a command from God and would surely take place.  So Joseph suggests to Pharaoh that a wise man be put in charge of storing one fifth of all the food harvested during the good years so that there is food available during the lean years.

Application:  We see a perfect application of the Scripture found at Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Had Joseph never been thrown in prison, the butler would most likely never have met him, and he wouldn't have been able to tell Pharaoh of the Hebrew who could interpret dreams.  Joseph may have thought at some point that he was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and that was why he was thrown in prison, but the truth of the matter is he was exactly where God wanted him to be so that His will could be done.  The same is true in my own life.  There are moments when I can't understand why circumstances are as they are.  Joseph's life is a reminder that, as long as I'm seeking God, He will make sure that I'm always in the right place, at the right time.

Prayer:  Father, I place my trust in You alone.  There are moments when I can't see a way out from my problems, but each time You prove worthy of my trust.  When I worry You show me there is no need for it. I pray, Father, that in all things, big or small, I will seek Your will and not my own.  Like Joseph, I want to live a life that reflects You, so that I and all around me can see Your hand of blessing when the trouble has ceased.  May You receive all the glory.  In Jesus' name, Amen.