June 4, 2007
Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
--Genesis 40:14, 23
In today’s verse, we read one of the saddest sentences in the entire Bible.
Joseph had asked the chief cupbearer to remember him when he was released from prison. But when the cupbearer was set free, he forgot about Joseph altogether!
Joseph had to languish in prison for two more years after this point. Yet through it all, Joseph trusted in God’s timing. And God used those two years to fashion Joseph into an incredible leader…right there in prison!
Have you ever faced adversity or pain or pressure…a “prison” of some kind that you couldn’t understand? Have you ever faced trials, tests, tribulations in your life?
Sure you have! And why? It’s called life.
As followers of Christ, you and I are never promised an easy road or an exemption from problems and stress. Despite what you may hear some preachers say! What’s important to remember is that how we handle our problems and pressures and adversities make all the difference in the world.
Rarely can we change our circumstances…but we can always respond to our circumstances God’s way. Just like Joseph did there in that jail cell!
Because…just like Joseph…God can use adversity in your life to move you forward as long as you live in obedience to Him and trust in His perfect timing!
you will always have problems…it’s how you handle them that makes all the difference in the world.