Do you remember Zaphenath-Paneah? Not many recognize his name, yet almost everyone knows who he is. He was one of the most faithful men in the Bible. He loved God. It was said of him, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God?” ...and “There is no one so discerning and wise as you.” Because of his faithfulness and his obedience he went from being a slave imprisoned in a dungeon to being the most powerful man in the world. However, despite all of his power he never took credit for his accomplishments. Humbly he gave God credit for all the great things that happened in his life.
Zaphenath-Paneah was the one of whom it was decreed, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” All of this because he interpreted a dream Pharaoh had which foretold of 7 years of abundant harvests followed by 7 years of famine for the land. Of course we know this man's real name was Joseph. Pharaoh had given him an Egyptian name.
God worked through him to bless the people of the world. Because of Joseph’s obedience thousands upon thousands of people were saved during those 7 years of famine. How could Joseph have imagined he would be used so mightily as he lay in that dark cistern where his brothers had put him to die? How could he have thought that someday he would be a ruler as he rode in the foreigner’s caravan, chained, a slave to be sold to no telling who? What must he have thought when he was falsely accused and put in prison? While in prison he thought that he might be freed, but he was forgotten and help didn’t come. It seemed that for many years of his young life nothing went right for him. But Joseph stayed strong, he remained faithful continuing to be positive serving those around him. He never gave up.
Right now there are many who feel like nothing is going right for you. I know some who have spent months suffering, worrying, agonizing over a loved one. You are absolutely worn out from the struggles that continue to pile up on you. But you continue to move ahead because you can’t stop. Others are depending on you. Some of you feel forgotten. I wish I could say that things will be better soon. I don’t know the future. Life may even get worse. Still, the days ahead may bring a refreshing turn around, and life may be better than you could have imagined. The only thing I can say is that God hasn’t forgotten you. He is sovereign. He has the perfect plan for each of us. You probably will not be exalted to a high position of leadership in this world, but if your faith is in Jesus one day you will assume your position as royalty because because of your relationship with the King. Heaven awaits! Remain faithful to the end for you will receive your reward.
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