March 14 - Joseph's Rise to Power

Genesis 41

For many years I struggled to maintain a positive attitude in February. Although it was the shortest month, it seemed the longest and darkest in the middle of Winter, and it seemed to bring about unfavorable events such as one February with a miscarriage and another where we had to euthanize our first family dog. Although I trusted in God’s will I had moments of doubt and disillusion with how events were playing out. It as easy to question God and difficult to maintain steadfast faith. I was relieved as March rolled around each year and brought more light and hope that Spring was coming. I could feel my mood lift at the prospect of happier things in the future and found it easier to consider God’s plans for me.

At the beginning of Genesis 41 Joseph’s series of unfortunate events was at its peak. He had been sold into slavery by his brothers and jailed in a foreign land when he refused the advances of his master’s wife. And then, Pharoah called on Joseph to interpret his dreams and Joseph interpreted God’s intentions for Egypt. Suddenly, Joseph was elevated to a position of power second only to Pharaoh, who declared, “Could we find another like him,…a man so endowed with the spirit of God?” What a change to go from being a slave and prisoner to ruling the land of Egypt!

Although God’s future plans for me likely won’t include ruling a land of any sort, I take away the ideas that even when horribly down on his luck Joseph trusted in God and his will. This reminds me that when I encounter months that bring negative events, I don’t know the final outcome of God’s will and how quickly circumstances can change. Lord, help me find hope in difficult times and trust in your will for me.

Link to Bible verses: Genesis 41