Pharaoh’s dreams had him troubled, but the wise guys couldn’t tell him why. Why did the skinny cows feast on the fat ones? Why did the thin grain swallow up the good? And why were there seven of everthing? No one seemed to have answers for Pharaoh’s angst until the butler suddenly remembered the Hebrew who had helped him out. (Two years earlier, Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dream of release from prison and restoration to Pharaoh’s court; however, until that moment, the butler had forgotten all about him.)
The king was seeking solutions, no matter the source. “So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon”(Gen 41:14).
The most powerful man in the world looked at the lowly convict who stood before him and said, “I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it”(Gen 41:15). What more could Joseph have asked for? This was his big break, his perfect chance, his one shot to shine, so he took a deep breath and calmly replied, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires”(Gen 41:16).
I doubt Joseph paused very long between the announcement of his inability and the assurance of a divine answer—no need to cause Pharaoh further concern, but his words reveal a great man who understood a great truth. When we can’t, God can. (And even when we can, that’s because of God too.) It’s good to know your limits, but it’s better to know God is limitless.
A flood destroyed everyone on the earth, “but God remembered Noah”(Gen 8:1).
King Saul searched intently for David, “but God did not give David into his hands”(1 Sam 23:14).
Jealous Jews put Jesus to death on the cross, “but God raised him from the dead”(Acts 2:24).
“But God…” Two small words. Many big results.
When given the opportunity, humbly state what you can’t do, and gladly state what God can do. Unlike Joseph, you probably won’t end up running a country, but like Joseph, the outcome will be amazing and will always be best.
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