Genesis 41:38  So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”

Joseph has just interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.  But he’s done more than that.  He has given instructions on what needs to be done to prepare for this famine that God is sending upon Egypt.  Key to this will be Pharaoh finding a wise and discerning man to put in charge of the land of Egypt.  Pharaoh chooses Joseph.

This moment in Joseph’s life speaks to me of a number of wonderful principles in scripture.  I think of Matthew 5:16 first of all: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Joseph didn’t know what was coming.  He was simply called to appear and given an opportunity.  He didn’t try to negotiate for himself his release from prison.  He spoke the truth.  Pharaoh recognized that the divine was present – that there was more going on here than simply a man giving an answer.

I think of Luke 12:11, 12 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”  Although the context of this verse deals with the defense of believers, the principle of the Holy Spirit being with us, giving us the words to say is something we are to rely on.  It is no excuse for lack of preparation, but it instructs us where our faith and trust are to be.  It’s not us, it’s Him.  Joseph’s confidence was in God.  His faith assured him that God would give him what was needed.

Another powerful element of our faith is expressed in Psalm 57:2  “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.”   Joseph walked faithfully where God had put him.  I’m sure he cried out to God trying to understand what had happened to him.  But in the end, God’s purpose was fulfilled.  Joseph was prepared and ready to walk through the door of opportunity that God opened.  Let us renew our commitment to our Lord and His dealings in our lives so that the same will be true of us.