Discipleship

“It Is Not in Me; God…”

Pharaoh had experienced two disturbing dreams. Not one of the magicians or wise men in Egypt could offer an interpretation. Only then, two whole years after young Joseph had saved his life, did the chief cupbearer remember.

“When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation. A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came about. I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.” (Gen 41:9-13)

Pharaoh immediately sent for Joseph.

“I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Gen 41:15-16)

“It is not in me; God…” In what areas of life do you need to be reminded of that foundational principle?

  • It is not in me; God can mend my marriage.
  • It is not in me; God can lead me down the pathway of forgiveness.
  • It is not in me; God is greater than the challenges of parenting.
  • It is not in me; God is able to heal the wounds of my past.
  • It is not in me; God is the rock of my salvation.
  • It is not in me; God is the fortress of my future.
  • It is not in me; God is building his church.

God was God and Joseph wasn’t. Joseph had a part to play and he was expected to play it well. It was up to Joseph to do the next right thing and remain steadfastly faithful in the process, trusting that God would shape the outcome.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20)

God is God and I’m not. I have a part to play and I’m expected to play it well. It’s up to me to do the next right thing and remain steadfastly faithful in the process, trusting that God will shape the outcome.

“It is not in me; God…”

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