Genesis 41:1-15 and 35-37

An old Italian proverb says, “When God shuts a door, He opens a window.” Many people have come to a barrier in life that has eventually turned out to be a broader field of service to our Lord. Joseph’s experience is an example of this truth.

From the day he was taken from his father’s house, it seems that Joseph was going through a continuing series of open and closed doors. His experience shows us that by observing the small things that take place, we can see God at work even in the hardest of times.

• See God’s providence
  • God put Joseph in a strategic place
    • Jail
    • He didn’t want Joseph to serve Potiphar his entire life
    • God sometimes uses negative things to produce positive results
  • A key person
    • A cupbearer
    • He would be Joseph’s way out of jail, but more importantly into Pharaoh’s sphere of influence
• See God’s provision
  • God gave Joseph a special ability
    • Interpret dreams
  • God gave Joseph a special call
    • Save people
• See God’s plan
  • God’s plan was to place Joseph where He could use him best
    • Not his father’s house
    • Not Potiphar’s house
    • Not jail
  • God’s plan was to save His people

Thus we can see through Joseph’s experience that God is at work in our lives even when the times are hard, and we may not think He is doing anything on our behalf. What is our responsibility? Keep waiting and working. God will see us through.

“Life is but a Weaving” by Grant Colfax Tullar

My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weavexth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.