“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4, The Message)
Lately in my quiet time, I’ve been reading through, “God Meant It for Good”, by RT Kendall. In it, the author helps us understand the trials of Joseph from God’s point of view.
Joseph was unable to see that in the midst of his difficult circumstances, God was preparing him for something significant – something through which only such trials would prepare him. Some of his trials were of his own making. After all, he was a rather arrogant and prideful youth in sharing his dreams with his brothers. Yet other trials we’re allowed by God despite Joseph’s seemingly perfect outward and inward responses. When Potiphar’s wife came on to him sexually, his response was not only without sin but appeared properly motivated to exhibit high integrity towards both God and her husband.
In both circumstances, God allowed severe consequences. Why? Because God ultimately meant them both for good in Joseph’s life.
But what I had never seen in this story before today was Joseph’s attempt to get out of his circumstances while in jail after the whole Potiphar’s wife incident.
You know the story: Joseph has been in jail for a year with a cupbearer and a baker. They both have dreams while in jail. Joseph is an interpreter of dreams. In interpreting the cupbearer’s dream, he tells him that he will be restored to his former position in three short days.
Here’s the kicker, though. Joseph then goes out of his way to “nudge the hand of providence” (RT Kendall’s words) by attempting to manipulate his way out of jail: “Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.” (Genesis 40:14-15, ESV) He not only attempts to provide for his own way out but not-so-subtly whines about his circumstances as a way to justify it.
How many times have we done that? That convicts me and reminds me of just how much of a control freak I can be sometimes. In the moment, I tend to forget that when God is ready to do something, He doesn’t need my help. In fact, I’m convinced that He will sometimes step back and wait for me to exhaust my own efforts before acting on my behalf.
Unfortunately, it’s a hard lesson I’m still in the process of learning.
Of course, the cupbearer forgot all about Joseph after being restored to his position serving Pharaoh. It would be another two years before a crisis would happen in Egypt that would remind the cupbearer about his prison mate who correctly interpreted his dream.
Was Joseph’s additional two years a product of his own impatient attempt to control God’s timing? It’s hard to say.
This story reminds me of another prisoner’s words of encouragement: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience” (the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV).
Humility, patience, in a manner worthy of our calling. And, as we learn from Joseph’s story, not trying to manipulate the outcome God will most certainly bring about when He’s ready.
(Sigh) Today, I will chose to wait upon the Lord for His timing of my deliverance.
And when I forget (as I’m prone to do), maybe I can sit down again with my prison mates, Joseph and Paul, and learn it all over again.
After all, I’ve got no place else to be until the Lord sets me free.
