Living the Dream: A Devotional for Students Through the Life of JosephSýnishorn

Day 11 - In the Waiting

This was it...it was Joseph’s time to shine. By the power of God, we read that he was given the ability to interpret the dreams of these two important men. Surely this would be his lifeline to return to a “normal” life.

But then we read in Genesis 41:1.

“Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River.”

Two full years- that's how long Joseph waited. Two years passed after he had interpreted the dreams and nothing changed for him. He just waited… and waited… and waited thinking that surely his break would come.

Have you ever been in a season of waiting? How did you respond?

Sometimes in seasons of waiting, we can find ourselves doubting God. Sometimes we may even get angry with Him wondering why things haven't changed or our prayers haven't been answered. We may even find ourselves trying to go our own way to just make things happen ourselves.

Joseph chose to faithfully wait on God by not giving up on the plan he believed God had for his life. He trusted in God’s timing and believed that God’s plan was greater than his plan. He practiced humility as he waited- knowing that God was working.

Waiting can give us an opportunity to be honest with God. He's not afraid of the emotions we feel or the thoughts we have. He already knows about them and invites us to bring those to him honestly. In fact, we're reminded in 1 Peter...

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. "-1 Peter 5:6-7

Just like a fisherman and his tackle, God calls us to cast (or throw) our cares onto His shoulders because He can handle it. When we hand over our cares, then we are fully able to live out Psalm 37:3...

"Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land, and cultivate faithfulness."

If you are in a season of waiting, continue to trust in the Lord and let goodness be a fruit that is evident to those around you. Like Joseph, we can learn how to cultivate faithfulness in the waiting when we trust God and let Him handle the rest.

Reflect:

What is one way you can “cultivate faithfulness” in a season of waiting?

Pray today and ask God for the wisdom and strength to be faithful in your current season.