Genesis 41 Devotional

Raised Up in God's Time

““I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.””Genesis 41:16 (BSB)

Two years after the cupbearer forgot him, Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows and seven thin ones, and no one in Egypt can explain it. Only then does the cupbearer remember Joseph. Joseph is rushed from prison, shaved and dressed, and stands before Pharaoh. His first words point away from himself: he cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh an answer (41:16). God is revealing seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

In a single day Joseph goes from a prison cell to second in command over all Egypt (41:41). He is thirty years old (41:46). He names his sons for what God has done: God has made him forget his hardship, and God has made him fruitful in the land of his affliction (41:51-52). The God who raised Joseph is the God who raised Jesus from death to the highest place (Philippians 2:9). Waiting on God is never wasted time.

To think about: In your season of waiting, how could you point to God rather than yourself the way Joseph did?