Read: Genesis 41-42
Focus Verse: “‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’” (Genesis 41:16).
Devotion: Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. Joseph helps two men while he’s in prison, and all he asks is that they remember him when they go back to the service of Pharaoh. Well, Joseph sat another 2 years in prison until he was remembered and given a chance before Pharaoh. Pharaoh gives Joseph a chance to prove himself by interpreting a dream. The interpretation of dreams is something that has been shown as uniquely tied to Joseph as one of his gifts and skills. From the first time we meet Joseph he is having dreams and he is interpreting people’s dreams. So, what does Joseph say to Pharaoh? He tells Pharaoh that he himself has no power to do it, that all the power and all the ability Joseph has comes from God. Pharaoh has the power to rescue Joesph, to return him to prison, or to kill him. Joesph has the gall, or the humility, to say he can’t, that it’s not apart from God that things happen. Joseph can’t even bring himself to take the credit and raise himself out of prison! Joseph relies wholly on God. Can you imagine years wrongly spent in prison, and when you have a way out, to put all faith and trust in God’s hands? Wow!
Pray: God Help me to have faith like Joseph, to not take credit, to know that nothing I accomplish is apart from You God. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “The Joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh 8:10)