RTW January 15

When The Lord Delays

They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.
Genesis 40:4

 

 

My Takeaways

Something Old

I wonder if Joseph ever thought he’d be reunited with his brothers or even remembered his dreams.

Something New

What do we do when serving an undeserved sentence? What do we do when we are waiting for God to respond to our prayers?

  • Joseph continued to please God. Instead of being mad at God. (Gen 39:21-23)
  • Joseph maintained a positive attitude. Often, we have a hateful attitude while we are waiting. (Gen 40:4) (We see this in the relationship with others and the guards.)
  • Joseph showed compassion for others. (Gen 40:7)
  • Joseph spent his days in prison doing what he knew to do.  He used the gift of his calling to help others, the dreamer interpreted dreams for other prisoners. This act did not go unnoticed.  At just the right time, Pharaoh called upon Joseph to interpret his dream. (Gen 40:12, 16)
  • Joseph remained hopeful. (Gen 40:14)

Waiting well teaches us to trust God’s ways rather than doubt His delays.

Something to Do

Wait well.

 

 

©2019 RTW is a membership Online Bible study. The material is copyrighted and intended for the sole use of RTW members. Materials are not available for reprinting or distribution. All video teachings are intended for the sole use of RTW members. They are not available for copy and distribution on of any kind. Thank you.  All Rights Reserved.

13 Comments

  1. My something to do was 2 part today.
    1) Wait well…even when it seems like god has forgotten me or the situation seems hopeless keep waiting and allowing God to use me in the wait. I’ve seen him do this time and again in my life.
    2) Came from Gen 41:38 “Can we find anyone else like this man who is so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” My question to myself was…is it obvious to others that I’m filled with the Spirit of God? Am I living like I have the Holy Spirit in my actions, response and interactions with others? I feel like I could do better in this area.

    1. Good insights! Your #2 was not something I had noticed when I read through the chapters today. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Having been in a marital prison, I did not wait well. I broke out (divorced). I often wonder what could have happened if I had waited well. Would God have changed my husbands heart? Would he have allowed God to do so? These are questions I will never have an answer to. I often feel guilty, but don’t think I could, have survived. Will always be in the back of my mind even after 12 years.

  3. How did Joseph know he had the gift of dream interpretation? Did he remember his dreams as a boy and allow God to use him to interpret them?

    Something New- Isaac lived to see all 12 of Jacob’s sons and even his grandchildren. He died when Joseph was still in prison. I wonder if he knew about Joseph’s predicament.

    Joseph’s formula of saving one fifth of the crops during the years of prosperity is a good one we can adopt to save for emergencies in our families.

    God’s timing is the best even though it might not feel like it. If the cupbearer had remembered David earlier, David may not have been a prime minister then because it just wasn’t time.

  4. My Something to Do:
    ~Remain faithful in serving God regardless of my circumstances and whether it is recognized, acknowledged or remembered by others.
    ~Don’t take credit for the talents and abilities God has gifted me with. All glory to God!
    ~Wait well! I have learned this the hard way. The waiting can be hard but so much better in the end than getting ahead of God.

  5. Thanks so much for today’s lesson Wendy!!! Waiting well and waiting on God’s perfect timing is such a hard thing to do, but I am trying to work on it. It is a struggle waiting on God’s timing not my own, but I know everything that God has in store for me is worth waiting for and I need to trust in God’s ways in all of the delays and pauses in my life. I have been waiting a long time for the right job that God wants me to have. I have a job interview tomorrow morning and need lots of prayers that I won’t be nervous and that I will get the job 🙂 Thanks so much!!!!! My something to do- is to wait well, trust in God’s timing not my own and not to rush God and get ahead of His timing.

    1. Natalie I pray your interview will go well and if it’s God’s will for you, that you will get the job. I’m wishing you well!??❤️

    2. I’ve heard a little nerves can be a good thing, keeps you ‘on your toes’! Best of luck!

  6. Today I was amazed again at how Joseph was able to wait so long in a foreign land and even in prison, when he did nothing wrong. Through it all, he kept his faith strong and tried to help others. I don’t think that I would handle that wait as well as he did!

  7. Someone with a high view of God assesses each circumstance that comes their way as an opportunity to excel for the glory of God. Joseph was such a person. He gave the glory to God for interpreting Pharaoh’s dream. I Pray that I can be like Joseph and give all the glory to God in my life.

Comments are closed.