Genesis 41:1  “When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile,” (NIV)

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

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Seventeen-year-old Joseph held an expansive view of himself, and for good reason. (See Genesis 37 for details.)

Joseph was his father’s favorite son. God gave him dreams about his life purpose. Everyone should have celebrated with him, right?

It didn’t quite work out that way. Sometimes, God’s purpose takes time to come to fulfillment. There are all kinds of obstacles along the way. Problems arise. Joseph certainly had his share of misfortune. He knew all about delays and derailments. He was sold into slavery and he ended up in the dungeon. Even so, instead of singing the blues, he made sure everything worked out the best for everyone concerned.

Then one night, Pharaoh had a couple of bad dreams. Joseph was summoned to interpret them. Note the exchange:

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.” 

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Joseph had learned a thing or two along the way. When asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he wisely said, “I cannot do it.” 

This is a good lesson to remember. God can do things through us that we cannot do without him. Let’s always be honest about that. 

Joseph’s “I can’t” was followed immediately by, “but God will.” This is always the truth of the matter, and the right order of operations. 

Potiphar had an expansive view of Joseph’s abilities. 

The jailer had an expansive view of Joseph’s abilities.

The cupbearer had an expansive view of Joseph’s abilities.

Pharaoh had an expansive view of Joseph’s abilities.

Then, a dream delayed by half of a lifetime came true when Joseph’s brothers also developed an expansive view of his abilities. 

Joseph’s dreams came true, but not in service to himself. His dreams came true in service to everyone, from the least to the greatest. Joseph lived an Abrahamic life. He was not only abundantly blessed but also an abundant blessing to everyone. 

Examine the success you enjoy. Consider your strengths. How are you placing them in God’s hands to honor him and bless others? How are you living an Abrahamic life? How are you a blessing to the whole world?

God’s purpose for your life always includes the blessing of others. It took half of a lifetime for Joseph to become who he knew he was destined to become, but he always lived in consistent alignment with that special future. In God’s perfect timing, all of Joseph’s God-given dreams came true.

Joseph’s dreams relieved Pharaoh’s nightmares. 

What nightmares will God relieve through the dream he has always had for your life? (See Ephesians 2:10.)

How will you live an Abrahamic life today? Who will you bless along the way?

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I will yield my life to God’s dreams for me, knowing they are better than any fantasy of my own.

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Our Father, empower me to live an Abrahamic life. As you bless me, use those blessings to bless others. I belong to you. Take me, fill me, use me as you see fit for the benefit of others and for your glory alone. Amen.