Read: Genesis 40:9-23

Reflect:
Just when it looks like Joseph might have a way out of prison, the chapter ends with the words “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”  Joseph’s life presents a complex mix of God’s blessing and human disappointment. The Bible does not describe Joseph’s internal struggles or his confidence that God would deliver him as he desired. I wonder what he was thinking or feeling? Were there hard days? Did he fully trust God immediately or gradually? Joseph’s life had to be hard and his mind full of unanswered questions.  Perhaps it was in this dark season that God was preparing Joseph for what lay ahead.  I have heard the phrase “A faith that hasn’t been tested is a faith that can’t be trusted.”  Joseph’s faith was definitely being tested during this time and I would guess that his depth of character and faith were developing and growing here, in prison, more than they had been in Pharaoh’s palace.  If you were to ask a mature Christian about their faith I think many would say that it grew the most when they were in the midst of trials and struggles.  For it is in these times that one learns to depend on God and find Him to be faithful.

Pray:
Lord, help us to consider it pure joy whenever we face any type of trial because we know that through it you will grow our faith as long as we lean into you and don’t give up. Then we can look back and see all the wonderful ways you helped us persevere. We will see how you can use our situation to encourage others. Praise your name for using even the most difficult time for your glory.  (from James 1:2-3)