Genesis 40 ends with the interpretation of two dreams–one for the cupbearer and the other for the baker. After Joseph tells the cupbearer the meaning of his dream, he asks only to be remembered when the cupbearer is restored to his position. Genesis 41 begins with the Pharaoh having two dreams, and wanting to know the meaning of his dreams, he searches throughout the land for someone to interpret his dreams. It’s at this point that the cupbearer recalls his own dream being interpreted by the Hebrew, Joseph, in prison…albeit two years later…and tells Pharaoh, “things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us.” (Genesis 41:13) Joseph is then called to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” ~~Genesis 41:15-16

Here, as in the previous chapters, Joseph clearly acknowledges that all he is able to do, is because of God. It’s God that will give Pharoah the answer that he’s looking for, not Joseph—Joseph takes himself completely out of the picture in this passage. It’s God that revealed what Pharaoh was to do in response to the dreams.

This story is a beautiful example of total dependence on God and faith that God’s purpose will prevail. I’m thinking that when Joseph interpreted the dream for the cupbearer, he could’ve despaired after he was forgotten once the cupbearer was restored to his position. But I don’t see that in the text. And when he’s finally remembered by the cupbearer, it’s two years later—two years that he really shouldn’t have had to stay in prison. But Joseph, succumbing to God’s timing, just waits for God’s movement in his life—what else can he do? Through it all, and throughout the text, there’s a sense that Joseph has this inner strength; and it’s clear that the source for his strength is God.

Finally, this story not only shows us what totally depending on God looks like, but it also shows us that we are strongest when we humbly give in to God’s plan for our lives. When we allow ourselves to be ruled by God, rather than our circumstances, we bask in God’s presence…it’s God’s presence that changes our perspective about what’s important, it changes the way others see us, and it changes our life.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~~Hebrews 2:13

For some, faith can be a pretty scary concept. If you’re the type that likes to be sure of things or likes to have all the answers, then the concept of faith is probably going to make you feel very uncomfortable. Faith is more than belief, it’s about trust. For example, you can believe that a footbridge spanning a gorge is sturdy enough; but it’s when you start taking steps to cross the footbridge that you begin to trust.

Now there’s those that can’t see themselves taking one step on that footbridge. They want proof that it’s sturdy. Those skeptics just stand off to the side watching others step onto the footbridge as they mumble under their breath how it can’t possibly take one more person’s weight. The skeptics keep their feet firmly planted on solid ground watching others file past them laughing and stretching their arms toward the handrails of the footbridge with the hopes of their turn coming soon so they can experience the thrill of crossing the bridge and then see what’s on the other side. For those crossing the narrow bridge, it’s not just a task–it’s an adventure.

I’ve begun to realize that my faith journey toward God is really an awesome adventure filled with this wonderful mystery that often leads me to take steps where I have to trust God—there’s just no other option. At first I found myself taking steps cautiously hoping that everything would work out fine. Now, I’m getting to the point where I want to just run. And to be honest, I’m not thinking too much about the outcome. I just trust that God’s got me covered—I’m beginning to know that no matter what, I’ll be just fine—in fact, I’m certain of this.

The amazing thing is that the more I search for God, the greater the mystery and the more I trust God, the greater the adventure. I guess that’s why I love this verse. The faith journey toward God is about “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

© 2004 Ginny Rogers

I enjoy almost anything that has to do with the visual arts—drawing, painting, and graphic design. I was ecstatic when I studied art in college. I loved going to the studio and seeing the unfinished creations, the splotches of paint that were in every nook and cranny of the painting studio, and the bits of charcoal that were too small to use on just one more sketch. Feeling completely comfortable in my surroundings, I would often get lost in a world where the only thing I saw was the canvas and palette in front of me.

I remember one day the professor was weaving in and out of the students as they stood in front of their canvases. When he came to me he said, “The best paintings are a result of a really good plan. Often students jump into painting without first giving attention to the foundation of the painting—a good sketch or plan for the painting holds it all together.”

As Jesus works on our character His desire is to create a new being—one that is molded by love and grace. Jesus’ plan is the only plan for us because He’s the strongest foundation, with the promise to last beyond time. When you get right down to it, it’s the love of Jesus that promises to hold us together.

© 2004 Ginny Rogers