It’s starting to feel like an awful long time that people have been locked down and locked in! Still there is a general feeling that there is a move towards some
kind of easing of restrictions.
Genesis 41v 14-16
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.
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there
is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace
The story of Joseph is a fascinating one. He was a young man with great promises from God. The favour of God and of his father Jacob was evident i
n his life though that caused others to be jealous. His closest kin were aware of it and annoyed with him . One big issue for him was he still lacked experience. He gained that in the most unlikely manner.
He was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually thrown in prison.
Though it was certainly not what he would have chosen for himself he learned a lot in there. He learned when to speak and when to keep quiet. He had never managed that as a youth telling his brothers and parents everything, often to his own detriment.
Later when he met them he was much wiser with his words. He also learned how to survive and in fact thrive with very little resources. Something that lead to him being equipped to oversee a famine in the land, second only to Pharaoh himself in command.
Though he must often have felt forgotten and life was passing him by there was many a valuable lesson he was taught during that lockdown.
Question: What have yo
u learned that you can put to use when freedom is granted you? This is a time for reflection and wisdom. This has been a time of preparation for whatever lies ahead (in his case it was not easy, yet for all that he was prepared).
The truth is we have no idea what lies ahead. Joseph had his hopes dashed a few times yet for all of that he came back stronger as he just kept trusting The Lord.
I cannot tell you what your future holds but I can tell you who holds the future.
Trust Him and use your time wisely. 2 Peter 3v 18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
Love in Christ
Pastor John