FROM PRISONER TO PRINCE!

FROM PRISONER TO PRINCE!

Gen 41:1

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: …

Gen 41:8-9

8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember …

Gen 41:12-13

12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; …

Gen 41:14

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

          Try to imagine what Joseph was experiencing and feeling. He was his father’s favorite son. This was not right – but it was also not his fault and not something he could control. His jealous brothers sold him into slavery. The rest of his young life would be a blur of events that pointed out just how little control Joseph had over his own life. The only thing that Joseph could control was his responses – and his integrity. This control he fiercely maintained.

          Now in prison for something he did not do, Joseph made the most of his situation. He became servant to the captain of the guard. This happened because he was faithful and trustworthy. Two inmate friends told him dreams which, by the Holy Spirit, he interpreted. His evaluation of those dreams proved to be true and when the butler was released from prison, Joseph made one request. “When you return to Pharaoh please tell him about me. Please try to have me released.” While the butler saw the king every day, it took him two full years to remember Joseph!

          Try to imagine Joseph’s prayers. “Lord, is there some flaw in my character that has caused my banishment?” NO ANSWER. “Lord, I have been falsely accused and imprisoned. Please help me to get out of this unfair punishment.” NO ANSWER. “Lord, how long before you visit me for good and release me from this situation?” NO ANSWER. “Lord, people who make promises to me never keep them.” NO ANSWER.

          Joseph might have concluded that God was angry with him, although he could not think of a reason why He should be. Joseph might have concluded that God was unfair – but he knew that was not true. In his darkest moments, Joseph might have concluded that God simply did not exist – if there were not so much evidence to the contrary. Joseph finally concluded that he simply did not know what God was doing. He did not know what God was planning. He did not know what the final outcome would be. So Joseph continued to WAIT.

          When God suddenly moves in our lives it is not sudden at all. Lightning fast events are actually the result of God’s meticulous planning. Suddenly Joseph was told to shave his face, change his clothes, and prepare himself to stand before the king. Suddenly all of Joseph’s prayers were being answered. Soon Joseph would learn WHY he had suffered so unfairly.

          Do you feel imprisoned in a set of uncomfortable circumstances? Has everything you have tried met with failure? Have you been forgotten by those who are in a position to help you? Have you just about lost all hope? If so remember that there came a day when Joseph’s life was suddenly and dramatically changed. In one lightning-strike moment all of Joseph’s prayers were answered. God’s mysterious purpose would be revealed FOURTEEN YEARS later when he is visited by his hateful brothers. At that time he would somehow have to find the grace to treat them kindly.

Gen 50:20-21

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Dear Lord, when everything seems both evil and confusing, help me to trust that you have a plan for me. Help me to know that one day – perhaps suddenly – you will answer me, relieve me, and reward me. AMEN