June 10, 2023

Genesis 40: 2-4 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. (NIV)

When God steps in, the ordinary events of life take on extraordinary significance.*

We read and hear about the importance of vision, goals, ambition, plans . . . but sometimes we fulfill God’s purpose for our lives when we have none of those things. What good were Joseph’s aspirations when he was sold into slavery by his brothers? Do you think he planned to be falsely accused by his master’s wife and thrown into prison because of it? Did his vision statement include sharing a cell with two officials who were on the outs with Pharaoh – one who would soon be restored to a position of influence, the other to be hanged?

Maybe your life goes according to plan but mine never has. I have learned that things go more smoothly when I let God drive. I set short-term goals, but God is in charge of the big picture. Along the way, I, like Joseph, have found friends in low places and had brushes with greatness, but I couldn’t have predicted or planned for who or what was going to be the catalyst for big changes.

Was it a happy coincidence that Joseph found himself in prison with someone who would have so much impact on his future? Was it just luck that Joseph was in a position to help his family during the famine? Or was it because of his ambitious master plan that Joseph rose to the second most powerful position in Egypt? None of the above. Joseph knew that life was beyond his control and he chose to obey God.

When you allow God to drive, prepare yourself for the ride of your life!

You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work.*