As I read through the narrative of Joseph, I am amazed time and time again at God’s work in it. It gives me hope that God works in our lives just the same. Do you see God working in your life?

I used to not see God at work in my life because I didn’t look for it. I demanded a blatantly obvious sign that God was working in my life. And, since there didn’t seem to be any, I operated from the assumption that I was in control of my life.

I would like to take a moment and dissuade you of the notion that you’re in complete control of your life. That was a huge mistake that I made. I believe in personal responsibility and that we do have a choice, however, God is still working whether or not you see Him. You will see exactly what you want to see. It is like a muscle. In order to see God at work, you have to exercise it to make it stronger before you’ll really start to discover God’s work.

In the narrative of Joseph, he recognized that God was at work and responsible for particular things. Specifically, the dreams of the cup bearer, baker, and the Pharaoh. Each instance that the three aforementioned persons asked Joseph if he could interpret the dreams, Joseph replied that the interpretation comes from God, NOT himself.

I would like to draw four principles from Genesis 41. I would recommend that you read the whole chapter, or even better the whole narrative starting in Genesis 37. However, to give a brief overview, Pharaoh has two dreams. One is of seven plump and fat cows eating in the Nile. Then, seven starved cattle come up out of the Nile and eat the seven plump and fat cows. The second dream is of seven full ears of corn. Then, seven lean ears of corn grow up and consume the seven ears of full corn. Pharaoh awakes from his dream distressed and gathers all the magicians of the land to interpret his dream, but there is no one who can. The cup bearer remembers that Joseph once interpreted his dream while he was in prison two years before. Joseph is called before Pharaoh and asked if he can interpret the two dreams. Joseph replies that it is not in himself, but God will. After Joseph is told the two dreams he gives the interpretation and then a suggested solution to what God was about to bring on the earth. As a result, Joseph is promoted to second in command of all Egypt.

Now, the four principles I saw from this part of the narrative:

1. There will be a need – Pharaoh had a dream and needed an interpretation. In the world, there will be some sort of need or want that you can help people fulfill. It might be spiritual, mental, or physical. Ask God to help you see how or what that particular need is and how to go about meeting that need.
2. God already has or will equip you to fulfill that need – Joseph had already interpreted dreams before Pharaoh’s dreams and he had also been a manager of Potiphar’s house and the prison. Therefore, when the need for an interpretation and an overseer of the land to prepare for the coming famine arose, Joseph had already been specifically equipped with the necessary experience and knowledge to fulfill that need. This is one reason I want you to look at how setbacks, hardships and failures are part of His journey for your success. If Joseph had decided to be angry at God for selling him into slavery, he never would have learned to be a manager of Potiphar’s house. If Joseph had allowed resentment towards God and others to fester within himself for being locked up in prison, he never would have had the opportunity to interpret the dreams of the cup bearer and baker. Look at your present circumstances and ask how you can bring glory to God and enrich other people’s lives in your PRESENT situation, not your “ideal” or “if only” situation. You will never find your “ideal or “if only” circumstance until you’re responsible in the little things of where you are NOW in life.
3. God will gain the glory and recognition – Joseph openly acknowledged before Pharaoh that it was not him that gave the interpretation, but God. Similarly, when you start to fulfill your purpose and the needs of others, God will be the ultimate benefactor of the fruit produced. It will turn people back to God.
4. You will be God’s instrument to bless the people of earth – Joseph was appointed second in command of all Egypt and began preparing the land for seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. It might not be right now, but where you’re at now is part of your journey in God’s story. He is preparing you to be his instrument for even greater responsibilities. Be faithful and fruitful with your present responsibilities and circumstances.