Maintaining Focus

Read Genesis 41

A word on dreams: In the Bible it is not uncommon for people to have spiritual dreams. These dreams can be in plain simply understood words, or they can have rich symbolic meaning and need interpretation. The purpose of these dreams, however, is the same; God is trying to communicate with us while we’re in an open and vulnerable state. This can happen even to a person who is a not a follower of God. As we see in this chapter God is communicating to Pharaoh, who is not a believer, in just such a spiritual dream for the benefit of his kingdom, to make himself known to Pharaoh who may never have been aware of him other wise, and also because he had plans for Joseph.
In a relatively short amount of time -1 day- God elevates Joseph from a prisoner to the highest official in the land aside from Pharaoh himself. You will note however, that this came after another two and a half years of waiting in prison for God to help him. Still, God works mightily through Joseph enough to where Pharaoh not only sees that he is blessed by God in interpreting dreams, but also that he has been endowed with wisdom for authority in ruling. All of this, the leadership, fame, recognition, power, and wealth could easily go to a persons head, and quite frequently does, but I think it’s important to note how Joseph reacts to it all. When Pharaoh asks Joseph if he can interpret dreams, Joseph immediately responds that he cannot do it, but that it is God who gives the dreams and the interpretations to the dreams. Joseph retains humility even though he probably realized that this would be his only chance in coming before Pharaoh to be justified. He also consistently redirects attention back to God throughout his interpretation. God is the one who speaks to leaders. God is the one who is concerned about the welfare of Egypt. God is the one who gives advanced warning to leaders so they can be prepared. Pharaoh by the end of it begins to see this as well when he replies that Spirit of God is with Joseph to give him wisdom and discernment. The fact that Joseph has the correct perspective of God and the humility to acknowledge him enables God to use him in great ways to help even the leaders of the nation of Egypt.

Take a moment right now to reflect on your life and your priorities. Are you maintaining your focus on him? The holiday season tends to be one of the busiest times of year and a time to easily lose focus. Ask God to help you keep things in his perspective with humility. How is he speaking to you?