God Waits For The Right Time

God Waits For The Right Time

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.

Genesis 41:14

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were humble people. They waited patiently for God’s help. God was with Joseph in prison. The Lord knew the exact time he wanted to free Joseph. Joseph had no idea how he was going to become free, but he sat in the dark and didn’t worry about it. He put himself totally in God’s hands.

Joseph had exceptional faith, and God came and rescued him in a miraculous way: “They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free” (Psalm 105:18–20). Oh, what a wonderful freedom that was! While in prison, Joseph would have loved to have someone intercede for him. Whether his defender was his father, the chief cupbearer, or his former master, he would have jumped at the opportunity. He even would have accepted help from his master’s wife if she felt sorry for her sin. But God chose none of these methods. God wanted the king to proclaim Joseph’s freedom. This made it a public and spectacular event, especially since Joseph was elevated to a position second only to the king.

We must learn to trust the Lord and wait for him, just as Joseph did. His faith enabled him to wait patiently for a long time, even though he had no idea when he would be released. Joseph’s example should encourage us to resolve, “I know my sinful nature is going to complain, but I will try to restrain it.” Biblical examples, like Joseph’s, set the hearts of faithful people on fire and inspire them to faith, hope, and love.