"And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream means the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about." (Genesis 41:32).
Life ain't easy, especially if you're Joseph. Favored by his dad, and subsequently hated by his brothers, he was sold into slavery when only a young man. He fought for survival and his integrity, and one day, years removed from his former life, found himself standing before Pharaoh. The most powerful man in the world, Egypt's king had a couple of dreams and the rumor was that Joseph had the dream-interpretation gift.
For his part, Joseph had also had a couple of dreams. In both of them, he saw how he'd stand in a position of prominence and leadership. One day, his dreams told him, he'd lead his entire family -- brothers, parents, and all. But those dreams were historic, ancient memories by the time he stood before Pharaoh. Or were they?
To Pharaoh, Joseph said, "And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream means the thing is fixed by God." Amazing.
He didn't say, "And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream doesn't mean a darn thing, as my own miserable life attests." No. He still believed and hoped in God.
He'd had his own dreams, and he was sure God had given them. In his mind, God's purpose was fixed. He knew God would bring about his purposes. As the years ground upon him, Joseph's faith remained constant. God would come through. The thing is fixed by God.
I have always loved Joseph's resolute determination. He had to wait years for God to unfold his plans. And wait he did, trusting God would bring about his will. The hope and optimism Joseph displayed, especially when enduring many hope-crushing events, is inspiring. The dream was alive in Joseph's heart.
How about you? Are you able to trust God to bring about his purpose in your life? Has he put burdens and impressions on your heart which require steadfast endurance? Have you had to wait much longer than you anticipated?
We lack patience. We want God's blessings to unfold with rapidity, but God is content to wait. Slowly, through the pains and turmoil of life, he brings about his plan.
Paul dreamed of preaching in Jerusalem and also Rome. He felt God had given him a vision for it. And he got to do both. But in Jerusalem, his preaching turned him into a prisoner. In Rome, he had to go as a prisoner. Neither worked out precisely as Paul might've dreamed, but they were far richer experiences, not to mention much more eternally impactful, because of the way God brought them about.
Trust the dream-maker. Trust God. Rather than lose heart and become disillusioned through life's incessant pressures, let's trust and believe he has fixed plans he will bring about in our lives. Like Joseph, let's hold fast to our integrity and watch him work out his purpose in and through and for us. He is good. Let us hope in him.
