The story of Joseph is spectacular, but it is made more so when the hand of God draws a line from a father’s favorite son to a slave falsely accused and imprisoned, to a ruler with dreams that only one young man could interpret, to that man becoming a ruler himself, to the restoration of an entire family. Let’s connect the dots.
Joseph is sold to Potiphar, captain of the guard for the Pharaoh. It could have been anyone. He could have been sold to someone who would have just made him a slave until he died. But He wasn’t. He was sold to Potiphar. Because Potiphar had a certain wife.
Potiphar’s wife had a thang for Joseph if you know what I mean. It could have been that Potiphar was single, or that he had a wife who only had eyes for her husband. Endless possibilities here, but the only one that facilitated a greater plan, was that Potiphar’s wife had a wandering eye that landed on Joseph. Because Joseph had to go to prison.
Joseph is falsely accused and put into prison, and sometime later the cupbearer to Pharaoh is put in there with him. Because Joseph had to meet this particular cupbearer.
The cupbearer has a dream and God gives the interpretation to Joseph. Because someone had to know that there is a certain Hebrew who can interpret dreams.
The cupbearer is released and returns to his service to Pharaoh. Because Joseph needed the person who knew that he interprets dreams to be near Pharaoh.
Pharaoh has two dreams that no one can interpret, and then he is told about Joseph. Joseph interprets the dreams. And then Pharaoh issues this proclamation:
“You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”
And that is how God is going to save the twelve tribes of Israel through Joseph, and bring full restoration to Joseph’s family.
Nothing is a coincidence. Nothing is random. Nothing is wasted. We don’t know how much of what happened with Joseph was caused by God, and what was simply used by God, but we do know that He worked all things together for the good of those who belonged to Him!
In all of the suffering, all of the injustice, all of the offenses committed against one man, God’s hand is there and God’s plan is being worked. And as we will see in a bit, Joseph finally saw the bigger picture and gives glory to God.
When I consider my own story, I can connect the dots and see God’s sovereignty in my life. Can you?
Karla Jo Wasion 