Totally: Getting to Know Our Knowing, Present, Capable, Caring GodSample

With God’s help, Joseph was able to correctly interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He explained to Pharaoh that Egypt would experience seven years of abundant crops and then seven years of famine. Joseph also suggested a plan to make sure that the people of Egypt didn’t starve during the years of famine (see Genesis 41:17-36).

Joseph did a very good job of using the gift God had given him for God’s glory, so God led Pharaoh to give Joseph even more influence and power. As second-in-command to Pharaoh, Joseph carried out the plan that he had suggested to Pharaoh. When the famine came, Egypt was prepared, and all the countries around Egypt came to buy grain.

Joseph’s family came to buy grain as well. Just as God had revealed to Joseph in his dreams, Joseph’s brothers did bow down to him when they came to get grain (see Genesis 37:5-9). God proved that He was in absolute control of everything that happened to Joseph.

Because Joseph didn’t know what to expect from his brothers, he pretended not to know them. Joseph wanted to see his little brother, Benjamin, so he made his brothers bring Benjamin to him and tested them to ensure they valued Benjamin’s life more than they had valued Joseph’s. Once Joseph was convinced, he revealed his true identity to them (see Genesis 42:7-44:34).

Joseph's brothers were understandably terrified when they found out who Joseph was. They didn’t realize that God had grown Joseph into a godly, mature, compassionate, patient, gracious, and merciful leader. Joseph still suffered the effects of his brothers’ mistreatment but was able to see God’s hand in it and even to be grateful for the trials he had faced. Instead of punishing his brothers, Joseph used the opportunity to glorify God, just as he always did, and the men were able to restore their relationship.

What people and the enemy intend for evil in our lives, God intends for our good (see Genesis 50:20).