Who Me? Forgive My Family?

Joseph was a truly gifted boy! Well-loved by His father, Jacob! Jealously envied by His big brothers, as you remember, they sold him as a slave. He serves the most important person in Egypt now! Joseph is miles and miles away from his distant father and family; yet, not from his future, which GOD planned! His Father GOD is mapping out the most amazingly beautiful plan! God designed it just for Joseph (and all the older brothers)! God’s perfect plan includes more mistreatments-lies-false accusations-prison just to name a few!

Do you recall one of Joseph’s gifts? Exactly, dreams! God gifted him with dreams concerning things that would happen in the future!

Genesis 41

Joseph stood before Pharaoh, calm and sure. He had spent years in prison, forgotten by those he helped, but now he faced the most powerful man in Egypt. Pharaoh’s dreams had stirred fear in the palace. None of his magicians or wise men could explain them.

Joseph said the dreams were one and the same. God had shown Pharaoh what would soon take place.

“There will be seven years of great abundance,” Joseph said. “Grain will fill every field. Egypt will prosper. But after that will come seven years of famine, so severe that the good years will be forgotten. The famine will consume the land.”

Pharaoh listened without speaking.

“God gave the dream twice to show He has fixed this in place. It will happen soon.”

Joseph stepped forward. “Let Pharaoh appoint a wise man to oversee the land. During the seven good years, store one-fifth of the harvest. Appoint officers to gather food and store it in cities under Pharaoh’s control. We will hold this food in reserve for the seven years of famine. That will save Egypt from ruin.

The room went quiet. Then Pharaoh looked to his servants and asked, “Can we find anyone like this man? One who has the Spirit of God?”

He turned to Joseph. “God has shown you all this. No one else is as wise. You will be over my house. All Egypt will obey your word. Only I will be above you in rank.”

Pharaoh removed his signet ring and placed it on Joseph’s hand. He dressed Joseph in fine linen and hung a gold chain around his neck. He ordered Joseph to ride in the second royal chariot. As they passed, officials cried out, “Bow the knee!”

Joseph, once a prisoner, now ruled over all the land of Egypt.

Joseph suffered many hardships, disappointments, and mistreatments; yet, GOD’s favor, protection, and plans were clear in his life through all of them. He is now exactly where The LORD intended him to be, second in command of Egypt.

Separated from his home, father, and brothers and then sold into slavery, Joseph lived with integrity, faithfulness, excellence, and dedicated service. He cared about others, brought honor to his GOD at all times and in every situation, and refused to become resentful, angry, or vengeful  Those specific gifts God gave him, especially his dreams and understanding are about to be used to save the lives of nations of people. God gave the dream to the leader of Egypt and then gave Joseph the meaning of that dream.

The king gave Joseph the most important and respected responsibility of preparing for the disaster ahead. Joseph will lead the project of gathering and saving food during the abundant years, ensuring plenty for the lean years.

Return to hear how GOD is not only saving many nations from starvation, He is very concerned about a very specific and special family.

Prayer

GOD, YOU are truly amazing! Your way of doing things is so much wiser, greater, higher, bigger, and better than we could ever ‘dream’, think, imagine, or hope! Thank You for Your greatnesses! YOU are GOD Most High and we love you. Amen.

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©2025 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!