From Prisoner to Prince
How many times have you counted on something, and then it didn’t happen? The experience is deflating, and common, starting as a kid when a parent promises something, and then doesn’t follow through. Even a bad promise unfulfilled has an effect. I remember once as a senseless kid, I scratched my initials into a piece of marble on our beautiful antique marble table. My mom was as mad as ever at me and put me in my room and said, “Wait until your father gets home.” I sat and stewed in my room for hours knowing that a spanking was on its way. But my dad came home, and nothing happened. To a normal kid, that would be a huge relief. For me… I just kept wondering when the promised paddling was going to start. The anticipation wouldn’t stop. I don’t think my mom even told him. I’m still waiting!
I wonder if that’s how Joseph felt oppositely in prison when he saw clear hope of getting out. He interpreted the dreams of two fellow inmates, and one of the guys’ (Pharaoh’s butler’s) interpretation was that he was getting out of prison soon. Joseph jumped on that opportunity and said, But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. (Gen. 40:14-15) I can imagine the conversation and the likely promise. Verse 23: Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
How long after the butler was released did Joseph sit and wait to hear the key turn and the door to freedom to open? Disappointment could have turned to depression. We know it was at least two years, according to 41:1.
Joseph had ample time to learn that It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. (Ps. 118:8-9) People and circumstances are unpredictable. You have to do something else with your mind rather than count on something that is unsure. Learn to hold your desires loosely, but hold on to God and His word tightly. I’m sure Joseph didn’t wring his hands for two years. He had to have moved on and found something else to occupy his mind.
But God’s reward was in the making. Remember and pray… The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Prov. 21:1) The Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret, and then the butler remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about him and how he had interpreted his dream. Of course Pharaoh called for Joseph to come talk to him. Joseph interpreted his dream and then gave him some wise advice on how to handle the results of what was about to happen. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. (Gen. 41:39-40) Joseph went from prisoner to prince just like that. God had full and complete mercy on him. Joseph was faithful in a little, and God gave him much.
Just remember, God is sovereign, and He can change circumstances in an instant. Make it your aim to stay as close to Him as possible. Don’t turn to the right hand or the left. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Ps. 37:4)