Stop trying to do God's work

"But when all goes well for you, remember that I was with you."  Genesis 40:14  CSB

Joseph, who had been in prison now, for about 11 years, saw an opportunity for release from 

the dungeon he was in. Both the cupbearer and the baker had had dreams and Joseph, because of his gifting in this area, interpreted the dreams for them. The baker's dream was daunting, showing him that he would hang in 3 days. However, Joseph showed the cupbearer that he would be restored to his role as chief cupbearer..

Joseph, realising that this could be an opening for him to gain freedom, asked the cupbearer to remember him when he was before Pharaoh. Joseph was trying to solve his own problems, but,

let's face it, wouldn't you if you were in a similar position and you saw a glimmer of hope to gain freedom? The problem is, God must come first; throughout his life, Joseph had received God's favour in all he did. Now, he was trying to work his own ticket to freedom.

The thing is, doing things your way, will never work. There may be initial success but, it will be short lived and second best compared to how God could do for you. No matter how hard you try, you cannot promote yourself; if you try, it may be flawed with problems. Joseph had placed his trust in the cupbearer and it didn't work and was very costly for him, resulting in him having to be in the dungeon a further 2 years. (41:1). We should always be mindful of the Scripture in Jeremiah 17:5 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength'. 

In a way, Joseph was using his kindness towards the cupbearer as a leverage to mention him to Pharaoh. He was obligating him. Manipulation is something that crops up quite a lot in situations. We can use manipulation as a tool for getting people to return our kindness to them. One can almost hear Joseph's plea to the cupbearer: 'But when all goes well for you, remember that I was with you. Please show kindness to me by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison. 15For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews,  and even here I have done nothing that they should put me in the dungeon.' Joseph was asking him to repay the good deed. There is no mention of how Joseph felt when he realised his pleading hadn't worked and he would have to remain in the dungeon.

When we find ourselves in similar situations, we need to keep a tight hold on resentment because, it can poison the soul. Little did Joseph know that his time would come in 2 years.

This time it would come from the hand of God. And it is the same for you. You have been waiting for God to work on your behalf. You may have helped people solve their problems but your's, remain unmet. Replenish your faith in Jesus because your time, may be just around the corner.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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