When life makes no sense, I have a tendency to question God. When people went behind my back in a hostile take over of my ministry, I wondered what was going on. Could God really use this in my life? Yes! Tests like these develop patience and integrity as preparation for future usefulness. Trusting God’s sovereignty over my human understanding reaps the reward of character development. God arranged circumstances in Joseph’s life where he learned these lessons.  

The cupbearer and baker offended the king of Egypt and Joseph was charged to care for them in prison. They both had dreams the same night. Seeing their dejection, Joseph asked why their faces were so sad. They answered that no one was there to interpret their dream.  Joseph requested they tell their dreams to them since interpretations belong to God (Gen. 40:1-8). God reveals the meaning of dreams and Scripture, which encourages you to submit to His leadership.

The cupbearer told his dream about squeezing grapes into Pharaoh’s cup before putting the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that in three days Pharaoh would restore him as cupbearer. He asked the cupbearer to remember him and put in a good word to Pharaoh so Joseph could leave prison. He told the cupbearer that he was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews and done nothing to deserve the “dungeon” (Gen. 40:9-15). Submitting to unfair and confusing circumstances allow God to transform your character into His image as preparation for future usefulness. 

When the chief baker saw the favorable interpretation from Joseph, he explained his dream about three baskets of white bread on his head with the top one holding baked food for Pharaoh as birds ate from it. Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that in three days he would be hanged and birds would eat his flesh (Gen. 40:16-19). God provides integrity tests as preparation for you to make tough decisions when it’s tempting to be men pleasers.  

On the third day, Pharaoh restored the cupbearer to his office and hanged the baker just as Joseph had interpreted to them. The cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Gen. 40:20-23). Since God sovereignly works His will through authorities without your help, be patient in tough situations.

Answer these five questions:
1. What troubling or confusing circumstance are you experiencing right now? 
2. How do you feel about it? 
3. What is God teaching you? 
4. Are you taking to heart these lessons? 
5. How will this prepare you for future usefulness?


Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *