A few weeks ago I did have an extremely vivid dream... I had, under much duress, agreed to accept a new job. Understandably it was a field in which I had experience, so I was reasonably confident that I could walk right in with some knowledge. But I knew it was a mistake... I didn't mean to say yes... I needed to back out... I was paralyzed with fear, with frustration with myself... how could I been so distracted!
I woke up
1. thinking I was already late for my first day, and
2. trembling with the thought of such a wrong decision.
After a few minutes I did convince myself, that yes, it was Monday morning, and no, I did not have a new job. Whew, I was even more thrilled and thankful to embrace and walk into my sweet position that day.
Joseph was a dreamer... Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel - 11th son to Jacob and 1st son to Rachel. Now that is a crazy story for another day. Joseph had a dream, and that is where his story really begins. His dream involved his mother and father and his brothers bowing down to him. Remember he was the 11th son, so his sharing of that dream with his family, especially his brothers, wasn't met with high fives and cheers. Genesis 37 tells us that his brothers hated him... maybe the fact that their father chose to give Joseph a beautiful coat because 'he loved Joseph more than the others' and maybe because after the coat presentation, Joseph shared the dream. Then they hated him more...
Hate does strange things in the hearts and actions of people, doesn't it? Fast forward, Joseph found himself in prison in Egypt after his brothers sold him as a slave. We could spend a month or two of posts on Joseph, but today I just want to focus on one little/big piece of his life puzzle. While in prison he befriended two dreamers. They had dreams while in prison, and Joseph was given the ability [by God] to interpret correctly their dreams - one with a happy ending and one ending in that dreamer's death. The happy one, the cupbearer to Pharaoh, was released from prison and returned to his original position with certain access to Pharaoh, the highest official in Egypt.
Joseph asked the cupbearer to "remember him to Pharaoh when he was restored to his position even reminding the cupbearer that he had done nothing wrong to even be in prison". Wouldn't you think the thrilled cupbearer could just remember Joseph. Joseph's plan was good - I need to get out of prison now... I don't deserve to be here... I am here unfairly and unjustly...
I would have felt the same way... but alas... Genesis 40:23 clearly communicates Joseph's continued stay.... "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."
Two more years, Joseph was still in prison. His pan that the cupbearer would mention him to Pharaoh made good sense. They surely were placed together in prison for this very time. Joseph had a good plan.... God had THE plan. Two years later Pharaoh had a dream... a dream that Joseph would eventually interpret leading to Joseph's rise in Egypt as a leader second only to Pharaoh. Two years was not the time for Joseph to be remembered for God's purpose.
I wonder if Joseph was frustrated or angry or asked many questions of the Lord concerning "the" timing. Wondering even today - if I , no how often I, push something or try to make "it" happen when God hasn't purposed that time yet.
We are so very blessed to have the rest of the story of Joseph when he didn't ... shouldn't that give us even more confidence in truly trusting God's timing for us?
Pharaoh realized of Joseph... Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
Maybe Joseph needed that two years with the Lord so that he could be taught discernment and wisdom... I do know this, God is teaching us ALWAYS as we seek Him through His word and through time with Him.
Dreaming like Joseph... Depending on God like Joseph...
Waiting patiently... well, giving that a real try!!
Trusting like Joshua...
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9