Don't Give Up On Your DreamsSample

In addition to serving as a skillful administrator while in prison, Joseph is now also utilizing his God-given gift of interpreting dreams. Joseph’s interpretation of what the chief cupbearer and the baker of the king had dreamt was accurate. He did everything right. And yet this chapter ends with a crushing disappointment: the cupbearer, who could have helped Joseph, forgot him (Gen. 40:23). This was a heavy blow, especially considering that it would take another two years until things began to change (as we read in the following chapter). 

How would Joseph have felt during these two years in prison after the cupbearer had disappointed him? Certainly, he had every good reason to be angry at the cupbearer and maybe also to be mad at God. In moments like these, it is crucial to remember that, yes, people may let us down, even people with whom we thought we had a good relationship. God, however, will keep His promises toward us, and that is why we must not give up on a dream or vision that God has given us, even if it was many years ago. 

Our tendency is to look to others for help, but God wants us to learn to always put our trust in him. As the Psalmist exhorts us: 

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:3-6, NIV).

•  Reflection: Have you ever been deeply disappointed by another person whom you thought would help you? How do you feel about this incident today?

•  Prayer: “I praise you, Father God, because you are the Maker of heaven and earth, and my help comes from you. Thank you for your faithfulness; I entrust this day to you, as well as the years ahead of me, trusting that you will fulfill your purposes in my life for your glory.”