Wednesday 14 August, 2019

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt. 47 During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. 48 Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49 Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure. 50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh[a] and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” 52 The second son he named Ephraim[b] and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” 53 The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. 55 When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.” 56 When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. 57 And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.

Just as Joseph foretold, there was seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. During the seven years of plenty the amount stockpiled became too difficult to record and during the time of famine people came from not only Egypt but all around the known world to buy grain. In the time of plenty Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

The last verse of this passage explains how God uses Joseph to not only provide for Egypt but other nations as well. How good is it when God’s people have solutions to problems! Out of God’s favour and abundance Joseph was able to provide grain to feed many. God’s purposes to alleviate lack and suffering being worked through an amazing man of God.

I am encouraged and reminded that God wants to work his purposes in each of his children. We too can be a blessing to others in need if we allow God to positon us. Perhaps not on the same scale as a Joseph but a blessing nonetheless!

Dear Lord, please guide and position me so that I may be a blessing to those around me who are suffering or in need. I also pray that they would see your hand at work in the process. Amen

Written by Ps. Ainslie Woods