“After two whole years . . . .” Let those words sink in as you read this chapter. Two . . . whole . . . years.
That’s two more years that Joseph sat in prison. Two more years of dealing with criminals, reprobates, and rebels. Two more years overseeing the punishment of those who had broken the law. Two more years stuck in a job he did not want. Two more years as a slave in a dungeon.
“After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed,” and the cupbearer remembered. And Joseph’s life took a dramatic turn from prison “warden” to second in command of all of Egypt. But it took two more years.
Previously we learned that Joseph was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. Today’s text tells us that he was thirty when he entered into Pharaoh’s service. That means that Joseph was a slave for a total of thirteen years. That’s a long time.
Are you dealing with a situation that is difficult, that you want to come to its conclusion? Are you waiting for the Lord to give you peace, vindicate you, or bless you in some way? Are you suffering under an illness that has lingered on and on as you pray daily for healing?
What if it takes two whole years from now before you get your answer? What if what you are going through is part of a thirteen year period of your life? What if God’s timing doesn’t match up with yours?
I am not a particularly patient person: not terribly impatient either, but patience is an area I struggle in. I’ve been known to snap when thing don’t happen as quickly as I think they should. Waiting on the Lord’s timing is something that I’ve been learning over the past months and years. I don’t think I’m a very good student! Can you relate to that?
How blessed we are that our God is patient! Consider Psalm 100:5, “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (ESV) Steadfast, enduring, forever, to all generations: that’s a long time. In Hebrews we learn, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8 NIV) Or consider this passage from Malachi, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Mal 3:6 NAS)
God’s patience with us is great because His love for us is great. He displayed the extent of that love in giving Jesus to die as the sacrifice that atones for our sins! If he loves us that much, will he not also provide for our daily needs? Can we not rest like the ravens or the lilies, knowing that God will provide? Even if it takes two whole years? Or thirteen? Or if it doesn’t happen in our lifetime?
Remember, the Lord, “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:28-31 NIV) He will give you the strength you need to wait for His timing.
Father in Heaven, you are patient, consistently blessing me because of your love and grace. I am not patient. Help me to rest in Jesus and display peace that the world lacks so I may testify to how You have provided for me. For you are a great God, and desire all people to believe in You through Jesus! Amen.
That’s two more years that Joseph sat in prison. Two more years of dealing with criminals, reprobates, and rebels. Two more years overseeing the punishment of those who had broken the law. Two more years stuck in a job he did not want. Two more years as a slave in a dungeon.
“After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed,” and the cupbearer remembered. And Joseph’s life took a dramatic turn from prison “warden” to second in command of all of Egypt. But it took two more years.
Previously we learned that Joseph was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. Today’s text tells us that he was thirty when he entered into Pharaoh’s service. That means that Joseph was a slave for a total of thirteen years. That’s a long time.
Are you dealing with a situation that is difficult, that you want to come to its conclusion? Are you waiting for the Lord to give you peace, vindicate you, or bless you in some way? Are you suffering under an illness that has lingered on and on as you pray daily for healing?
What if it takes two whole years from now before you get your answer? What if what you are going through is part of a thirteen year period of your life? What if God’s timing doesn’t match up with yours?
I am not a particularly patient person: not terribly impatient either, but patience is an area I struggle in. I’ve been known to snap when thing don’t happen as quickly as I think they should. Waiting on the Lord’s timing is something that I’ve been learning over the past months and years. I don’t think I’m a very good student! Can you relate to that?
How blessed we are that our God is patient! Consider Psalm 100:5, “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (ESV) Steadfast, enduring, forever, to all generations: that’s a long time. In Hebrews we learn, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8 NIV) Or consider this passage from Malachi, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Mal 3:6 NAS)
God’s patience with us is great because His love for us is great. He displayed the extent of that love in giving Jesus to die as the sacrifice that atones for our sins! If he loves us that much, will he not also provide for our daily needs? Can we not rest like the ravens or the lilies, knowing that God will provide? Even if it takes two whole years? Or thirteen? Or if it doesn’t happen in our lifetime?
Remember, the Lord, “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:28-31 NIV) He will give you the strength you need to wait for His timing.
Father in Heaven, you are patient, consistently blessing me because of your love and grace. I am not patient. Help me to rest in Jesus and display peace that the world lacks so I may testify to how You have provided for me. For you are a great God, and desire all people to believe in You through Jesus! Amen.
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