WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Ask God to speak to you today of his faithfulness and his closeness. Choose a worship song that speaks of these characteristics of God, and use it to help you worship. A test of patience Today we move a long way through the story in just three words: ‘Some time later…’ (v 1). How many years this phrase refers to is unclear, but Joseph has already been in prison long enough to earn respect from the warden and significant responsibility (v 4; see also 39:22,23). It would be fair to say that Joseph undergoes a very long test of patience and endurance. Has he been forgotten, left to spend the rest of his days behind bars, rejected and unloved by God? People might have forgotten him, as the cupbearer certainly did (v 23), but not God. God’s plans The supernatural dreams of the cupbearer and the baker are evidence of God’s involvement in Joseph’s situation. And amidst the hardships, God’s loving and majestic plans are still right on track. Joseph’s character is being further strengthened ready for his future calling, although for that there are another two long years to wait (41:1). Respond: Joseph was not immune to normal human feelings of loneliness or isolation, and he was ever hopeful of a way out (vs 14,15), but he remained reliant on God (v 8). How do you handle seasons of difficulty? Do you need to draw near to God again today? http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-10-11