Genesis 41:15-16
“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.’ ‘It is beyond my power to do this,’ Joseph replied. ‘But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.’”
Two years after being falsely accused and thrown in prison, Joseph gets another chance at interpreting a dream. What a difference in his response this time! Joseph has finally let go of the pride holding on to him and is at ease himself. Don’t miss this: Joseph’s personal transformation and growth occurs in the midst of trying circumstances, not on the other side of them.
Respond in Prayer
Spend some time with God right now, reflecting on how you usually respond to pain. Do you attempt to numb yourself with things like social media, food, alcohol or online shopping until it’s over? Power through in your own strength, never allowing yourself to feel the pain? Paula Rinehart once said, “if you want to know real joy in life, then be willing to let pain tutor your soul.” Ask God to help you with this. Ask Him to deepen your love for Him, to strengthen your trust in Him in the midst of any pain you’re experiencing.
For Families with Kids at Home
This has, no doubt, been one of the strangest stretches in your parenting journey. No parenting book prepared you for this, and there’s no playbook on “how to be an incredible parent during COVID-19.” Today, rest in God’s grace. He doesn’t need you to be a perfect parent, but a humble and reliant one. And like Joseph humbly replied, it is beyond your power to do this. Rely on him.