DAY 6
Read: Genesis 41, Proverbs 18:16 and 1 Corinthians 2:14
Your Gift
The magicians and ‘wise men’ could not understand Pharaoh’s troubling dream. Some people can’t understand your problems, trials, dreams (positive and negative) because they only operate by human logic and do not depend on God for His wisdom. We must be cautious about who we go to for explanations or advice. In this case, do not allow the world to inform you about your dreams, when God is the owner of interpreting dreams (Genesis 40:8). The things of God can only be understood by those who have His Spirit.
We also see here that ‘bad’ dreams are not always bad after all. God reveals to redeem. God revealed the future through Pharaoh’s dream, so that appropriate action would be taken to prepare for the seven years of famine, thus, redeeming them from hardship.
The ‘bad’ dream served another great purpose. It caused Joseph and his gift of interpreting dreams to be remembered. Joseph’s encounter with the Chief Cupbearer hadn’t been forgotten after all. It was just delayed for the right time, when Pharaoh would have this dream. There is so much that we can learn about the function of our God-given gifts as believers.
Your gift will make you known, but most importantly, it will make the God in you known. Joseph acknowledged that his gift came from God and not himself (see verse 16). We must always point back to God and give Him the glory!
Your gift will make room for you to be all that God wants you to be.
Your gift will take you places and will draw people to you.
Your gift will serve others.
‘A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.’ – Proverbs 18:16
Your gift isn’t something to be forced upon others. It announces itself…why? Because gifts and talents from God meets the need of others! People are attracted to your gift not because of the carrier, but because what they carry is what they desperately need. When you sit on your talents, you are robbing your neighbour. More importantly, when you fail to honour God with what He has given you…you are robbing Him…DEEP! Don’t rob God – serve Him with your gifts!
Your gift will bring favour, authority and responsibility.
Your gift will make you stand out.
Your gift comes before the position/title (see verses 43-45).
The blessings of God validate and give purpose to our struggles. Joseph said in verse 52, ‘God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering’. May God make you fruitful in your suffering! ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy’ (Psalm 126:5). Challenges are the food of champions.
God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household. – Genesis 41:51
May God make you forget all your trouble, especially deep-seated family issues that can impede on the way you see God and approach the future (verse 52). May The Almighty soak you in His love so that everything that comes out of you is a product of God and not hurt, not the expectations of others, not bitterness.
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