Isn’t it so like us to notice God’s work in our lives and not say anything?

Not give God the glory?  Only think of ourselves??

Selfish Portrait

As I began to read the story of Joseph yesterday morning (see Daily Bible walk: Day 18), I saw clearly the similarity of the sinful and selfish human mind.  How easily we focus on ourselves.

Joseph interpreted the dreams of the King’s servants – fellow prisoners.  When he did, even before it all came to fruition, Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him…

“Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.”   Genesis 40:14

But what happened?

“Thus it came about on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”   Genesis 40:20-23

The cupbearer just witnessed a miracle!  God allowed Joseph to accurately predict/interpret his and the baker’s dreams.  To the T!  Every detail was correct…but the cupbearer forgot him, focusing only on himself.

As I read that unbelievable story of egocentricity, I felt led to post something about it.  About the selfishness of man; how we so easily place ourselves before God, in place of God.

But as I continued reading, God grabbed my attention…

shoulder tap

“No, that’s not what I want you to learn from this.” He said.

Ok, so I didn’t hear Him audibly… but I couldn’t miss His obvious shoulder tap.

Joseph was forgotten because God closed the mind of the cupbearer.

God needed Joseph to wait.  To be “forgotten” for two years by the cupbearer in order for God to put everything in place; for Joseph to live up to the potential God had for him and to accomplish all God intended for his life.

Joseph was 30 when he entered into the service of Pharaoh.  That’s 13 years since being sold into slavery by his brothers and the Bible doesn’t indicate that God ever spoke to Joseph during that time.  Sure, God poured out His favor and blessing onto Joseph but even so…how much of that time did Joseph feel forgotten by God and question God’s plan for him?

alone

Do you feel alone?  Forgotten?
Do you feel like God doesn’t care, that He’s isn’t around?
He may just be asking you to wait.

His perfect plan for your life isn’t fully in place yet.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 1:6

God's plan

 

Related articles:
What’s the rush?  Waiting and listening.   (mrandmrslopez.wordpress.com)
When God’s Timing is Taking Too Long   (joycemeyer.org)
God’s Plan is Better   (aubreymarieblog.com)
Daily Bible walk: Day 18   (ispygod.net)