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“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.” The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God” (Genesis 41:33-38)
The story of Joseph teaches us many things. One important lesson is that God often includes His people in the accomplishment of His will. We could wonder why God Almighty whose word of command can bring creation into being would use such as us, but He does!
God will work through Joseph to save many people from famine, and He wants to work through you and me for His purposes.
Too often we can presume that God will do His will apart from us. I guess that we can get up each morning and do what we do each day without really considering that the Father wants to use every one of us in the extension of His Kingdom. We read in the Gospel of Matthew,
‘Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”’ (Matthew 9:37-38)
The harvest is the many people who need to hear about Jesus. Jesus doesn’t send out an angel, He wants us to pray for and be prepared to be His workers. It’s interesting that in the next chapter Jesus sends out His disciples! If we pray, do not be surprised if He speaks to you about taking action!
Through this week’s devotionals we are going to be talking about storing good things in ourselves so that God can use us; however, having a deep conviction that we are included in the ‘team’ is foundational.
RESPONSE
You are important! You have been purchased by the blood of Jesus to know the Father, but also to be included in His work. When we understand that God works through us, it should inspire us to listen and prepare. Spend some time meditating and praying out of Paul’s words,
‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:10)