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

Day 12 - Feast or Famine

Have you ever awakened from a dream and thought, “where did that come from?” That’s probably what Pharaoh thought after his two crazy dreams that we read about in Genesis 41.

In one dream, five healthy cows were eaten by five malnourished cows. Then in another, seven healthy heads of grain were swallowed by seven shriveled heads of grain. At this point, Pharaoh is at a loss for how to decipher what the meaning behind these dreams was. Luckily, through the advice of the cupbearer whose dreams Joseph had interpreted, Pharoah summoned Joseph and he was able to reveal the meaning of the dreams.

Joseph shared that the meaning of the first dream meant there would be seven years of healthy harvesting in the land. The people would prosper. They would feast. But then he revealed the meaning behind the second dream. He said that seven years of famine would follow and the people would struggle. Later in scripture, we learn that the famine would be so great that the years of harvest would be forgotten. Instead of feast, there would be famine.

Sometimes as a Christ follower, we can experience a famine in our faith. Our souls can feel dry and the lies we hear from the enemy can seem so loud that they begin to drown out the truth of what God says about us. These times of famine can create feelings of isolation or sadness. Our thoughts can spiral and our hearts can grow tired.

In these seasons, that's why it's important to be in God's Word and be part of a church community that can remind us of the truth. When we realize that God is with us even in the seasons of famine, we can allow Him to be the "living water" that He promises will sustain us.

Reflect:

If you had to be honest, does your spiritual life currently feel more like a feast season or more like a famine season? Why?

Spend some time asking God to renew your heart. Then talk with a trusted friend in your life group or church and ask them to pray for you.