But God...

“‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’” Genesis 41:16  

 

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 shriveled grain swallow up the good?  And why were there seven of everything?  No one seemed to have answers for Pharaoh’s angst until the royal butler suddenly remembered Joseph.  (Two years before, Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dream of release from prison and restoration to Pharaoh’s court, but, until that very moment, the butler had forgotten all about him.)  Since Pharaoh was seeking solutions, no matter the source, “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 divine reliability (no need to cause Pharaoh further concern), but his words reveal a wise man who understood a wonderful truth.  When we can’t, God can.  (And even when we can, that’s because of God too.)  In other words, it’s good to know your limits, but it’s better to know God is limitless.

A flood destroyed life on the earth, “but God remembered Noah.”

King Saul searched intently for David, “but God did not give David into his hands.”

Jealous Jews put Jesus to death on the cross, “but God raised him from the dead.”

“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 always be amazing.

“But God…”