Perspective: WK4 - WED
Self-Awareness
Genesis 41:14-16
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Isn’t it amazing how something you have prayed for can be stalled and at a standstill, leaving you hopeless, and then, with the tripping of one domino, everything falls quickly into place? It is unclear what Joseph understands about his hasty summons to the palace. Does he realize the cupbearer has finally come through on his promise? In any case, he fully understands the solemnity of his opportunity to appear before Pharaoh. Joseph models a principle we do well to follow.
Not every moment carries the same weight. Some are “high-value targets.” While it can be hard to notice when the mundane becomes an opportunity for eternal impact, sometimes it’s just plain obvious. In my profession, a call to come to the hospital or a text asking to meet for coffee to talk about committing one’s heart to Jesus signals high importance and high value. In those moments, whether at a funeral or when someone reaches out for help, my spiritual pulse quickens, and I find it easy to focus.
Joseph may not realize what’s about to happen, but he can tell it’s big. He shaves (how long has it been) and puts on his best clothes. Pharaoh’s face is etched with frustration and intensity as he explains, “I can feel I’m at a crossroads. Something important is about to happen, and I can’t figure it out. I’ve racked my brain, challenged my staff, and tried to let these dreams go, but I can’t. And then I heard that YOU can help me. Please. Tell me what it all means.”
Joseph’s reply drips with self-awareness as he says, “I’m sorry, but I cannot do it.” This is definitely not what Pharaoh hoped to hear. The prisoner hurries to add, “But it’s going to be okay. The God I serve will give you an answer.” Joseph wants to make sure everyone listening knows who to credit for what is about to happen. The glory belongs to Yahweh. What a spiritually mature perspective.
So often, we wrestle for praise and admiration that belong to someone else. The irony is that there is usually enough to go around when we are honest and stop scrambling to grab it for ourselves. God Himself is generous, allowing His glory to shine across our lives when we humbly make space for Him to work.
Genesis 41:14-16
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Isn’t it amazing how something you have prayed for can be stalled and at a standstill, leaving you hopeless, and then, with the tripping of one domino, everything falls quickly into place? It is unclear what Joseph understands about his hasty summons to the palace. Does he realize the cupbearer has finally come through on his promise? In any case, he fully understands the solemnity of his opportunity to appear before Pharaoh. Joseph models a principle we do well to follow.
Not every moment carries the same weight. Some are “high-value targets.” While it can be hard to notice when the mundane becomes an opportunity for eternal impact, sometimes it’s just plain obvious. In my profession, a call to come to the hospital or a text asking to meet for coffee to talk about committing one’s heart to Jesus signals high importance and high value. In those moments, whether at a funeral or when someone reaches out for help, my spiritual pulse quickens, and I find it easy to focus.
Joseph may not realize what’s about to happen, but he can tell it’s big. He shaves (how long has it been) and puts on his best clothes. Pharaoh’s face is etched with frustration and intensity as he explains, “I can feel I’m at a crossroads. Something important is about to happen, and I can’t figure it out. I’ve racked my brain, challenged my staff, and tried to let these dreams go, but I can’t. And then I heard that YOU can help me. Please. Tell me what it all means.”
Joseph’s reply drips with self-awareness as he says, “I’m sorry, but I cannot do it.” This is definitely not what Pharaoh hoped to hear. The prisoner hurries to add, “But it’s going to be okay. The God I serve will give you an answer.” Joseph wants to make sure everyone listening knows who to credit for what is about to happen. The glory belongs to Yahweh. What a spiritually mature perspective.
So often, we wrestle for praise and admiration that belong to someone else. The irony is that there is usually enough to go around when we are honest and stop scrambling to grab it for ourselves. God Himself is generous, allowing His glory to shine across our lives when we humbly make space for Him to work.
- Have you ever underestimated the importance of a moment and shown up underdressed? When was that, and what happened?
- What is one of the most important opportunities you have had recently to show up for your family or a friend? How did you respond to that moment?
- Have you ever been given credit that belongs to God? When that happened, how did you respond?
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