After being forgotten by the cupbearer, Joseph spent another two years in prison. At that time Pharaoh had disturbing dreams. He dreamed of seven healthy cows that were eaten up by seven gaunt cows and seven good heads of grain that were swallowed up by seven thin heads of grain. The dreams troubled Pharaoh so much that he called in all his magicians and sorcerers to interpret the dreams, to no avail. Then the cupbearer told Pharaoh about Joseph. When Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret his dreams, Joseph said, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Pharaoh was like a god in Egypt, and Joseph was his prisoner, but Joseph was not afraid to tell Pharaoh about God’s power.

When Pharaoh revealed his dreams, Joseph once again told him that God was showing Pharaoh what he was about to do. Then he said a third time that the reason for two dreams was that God had firmly decided what he was going to do. There would be seven plentiful years and seven years of famine. Now the prisoner Joseph advised Pharaoh how to serve God’s purpose on behalf of his people. Even though he was but a prisoner and Pharaoh was supreme over Egypt, Joseph was faithful to God in every way. He never lost faith that the Lord was with him, and he never gave in to fear.
Application: Lord, you are with me in dark times. Help me to serve you there with faith.
One Word: Have faith, not fear