Genesis 41: 28 - 40

 

28 “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. 31 The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. 32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.

33 “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. 36 This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”

37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

 

New International Version (NIV)

“Just tell me what to do!” In a crisis, we may cut to the chase and ask for help. It happens to all of us.  We run into a seemingly insurmountable problem, and we just wish somebody with wisdom would tell us what to do next. Who is your “go to” resource? Full disclosure: some of mine have gone home to be with the Lord. 

              

As Joseph explained the Pharaoh’s dreams to him, he detailed the consequences of the coming famine, and then he suggested a plan. Pharaoh should appoint someone with wisdom to store up food in the plentiful years so that there would be enough to eat in the following years of famine. Good advice! Where would Pharaoh find someone he could trust with this problem? He looked at Joseph and found the perfect leader for the plan. In a single day, Joseph went from a prisoner to prime minister of Egypt. 

             

In every generation God appoints wisdom to someone. They are all around us. Our job is to find that person and listen. How do we recognize them? First, we pray. Then we look for a person who has both understanding and integrity. One of my mentors, Virtus Gideon told me: “In every church, no matter how small or large, you will find people who pray and walk in the counsel of God. Listen to them. God will guide you through their wisdom.” Virtus was right about that. In every church I have found people like that. One generation goes home, and God raises up another. Wisdom does not always correspond to age. Some of the wisest people I know have gained their wisdom in fewer years. God will guide you to and through those people. Find them and listen.

 

Pray with me:

 

Father, we thank you for the wisdom you provide to us through others. Let us walk in your wisdom through the counsel of the others you bring into our lives. Show us your way and enable us to walk in it, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

 

2025 Bible Reading Plan

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