Genesis 41: 9-16

9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. 10 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. 12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream. 13 And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was impaled.”

14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

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

New International Version (NIV)

Late is better than never. I suppose so. Eventually, after 730 days, Pharaoh’s cupbearer remembered Joseph. When he told Pharaoh about Joseph’s interpretation of dreams, they sent for Joseph.  Imagine Joseph working in the prison when he heard the news.  Pharaoh has sent for you. 

How do you get ready to meet a king? Quickly, they shaved Joseph and cleaned him up. When his moment came, Joseph was ready.  How do we know? When Pharaoh asked about his ability, Joseph gave glory to God. Listen to his confession, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” 

Every day, when we pray, we enter the presence of our great King. How do we prepare to meet God?  James suggested washing our hands and purifying our hearts (James 4:8). Mostly, it has to do with our hearts. Do we come before our King with appropriate humility? Here is a good prayer to practice, “I cannot do it, but God . . .”

A famous television broadcaster spoke to young adults and had them practice this mantra: “If it is to be, then it’s up to me.” With deference, if it is to be, then it is up to God working through us. God has given us our gifts. He can use them as he chooses. Still, we do well to stay ready so that when God calls we don’t have to get ready. Late is better than never, but it is never quite as good as right now.  “Today is the day of salvation. Now is the acceptable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2).    

Pray with me:

Father, we trust that your timing is perfect. Grant us the grace to be ready when our moment comes, to say our lines, not too loud or too soft, not too soon or too late, but right on God’s standard time. Use us as you choose. We are your servants. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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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