Prior to me having a relationship with Jesus I was a manipulator. Sometimes the Lord shows me traces of this old life are still evident in my life today. I quickly turn to Him and away from that old way of doing things. When this happens, it is encouraging because it shows that Holy Spirit is working in my life.
Joseph had been sold in slavery, falsely accused, and spent time in prison and he now is standing in front of the Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt. This is his chance to do big things, to change his circumstances, to seize the moment and never look back.
Joseph first says, “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”” Genesis 41:16
“And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.” Genesis 41:32
““Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.”” Genesis 41:33-36
Joseph says “this is God” then fully lays out what Pharaoh should do. He does not hold back any info. He does not tell Pharaoh to put him in charge so he can lead through this. He does not boast in his closeness with God. He lays out the full plan and all the words of the Lord and gives the Lord all the credit. Joseph trusts the Lord with the results, he gives all info to Pharaoh and gives all the glory to the Lord.
We find Joseph is promoted to second in charge in all of Egypt. He is put on the Pharaoh’s chariot and is rode around Egypt. Just a few days ago he was sitting in prison, now a powerful man and guess what?! He did not manipulate the situation.
It can be easy at times to leave out some of the details so we may get our way. It can be easy to tell half-truths in difficult moments, but half-truths are whole lies. It can be easy to take credit for something God has and is doing in our lives instead of giving Him the credit. It can be easy to hold back thinking you are in control of the situation instead of letting go and letting God handle it.
The Psalmist wrote this, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24
Today, spend time with God searching your heart. See if there is anything in you that is contrary to the fullness of God. Let him lead in your relationships and situation; where you live, work, and play. Let’s be pure of heart in our interactions and trust that no matter where we find ourselves, we are going to be people with pure hearts and clean hands. That we will trust the Lord with whatever relationship or situation we find ourselves in.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.