God's timing

     I have been reading the book of Genesis for the past few weeks. I am presently on the story of Joseph (Genesis 37, 39,40). He was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He was favoured by his father because he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:3). His brothers hated him because of this. It did not help that he had a dream of his family bowing to him (vv. 5-11). When his brothers got the opportunity, they tried to get rid of him by selling him to some Midianite traders who in turn sold him to an officer of Pharaoh named Potiphar.
    But, God was with Joseph and He caused him to prosper in his master’s house (Genesis 39). However, one day, because he resisted his master’s wife’s efforts to seduce him, she accused him of attempted rape. He was put in prison where, once again, God showed him favour and he was put in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph finally saw a glimmer of hope when two of Pharaoh’s servants, the butler and the baker, offended Pharaoh and were put in prison (Genesis 40). They had dreams which Joseph accurately interpreted. He asked the butler to remember him when he was restored to his position. Unfortunately, when that time came, the butler forgot him. It took two years before Joseph was remembered and finally released from the prison.
    As you read Joseph’s story, you can almost feel his sense of frustration. He was constantly being put in unfair situations. It seemed as if he had no control over the negative things that happened to him again and again. Sometimes, we may feel like that. We are trying to do what is right, yet, negative circumstances seem to keep coming our way. That can be frustrating and you may feel like giving up. Yet, the interesting thing is that God was with Joseph every step of the way. No matter the situation he was thrust into, God showed him favour. When he was in Potiphar’s house, God caused everything that he did to prosper, to the point where his master noticed it and gave him charge and authority over his entire house. When he was unfairly put in prison, the keeper of the prison saw God’s favour upon him and put him in a position of authority over all the other prisoners. I am sure this was not common treatment for a slave, but then, Joseph was no ordinary slave. He belonged to God and God made sure that he prospered even in difficult circumstances. 
    It can be difficult to see God’s favour in negative situations, but the reality is that God is in that situation with you, just like He was with Joseph in Egypt. God did not leave him alone and God will not leave you alone, no matter how alone you may feel.
    It must have been painful for Joseph when instead of remembering Joseph when his dream came true, the butler forgot him. The reality is, people may forget us, even fail us, but not our God. God never forgets. The thing is, Joseph was not forgotten. It was simply not God’s timing. Perspective can be an interesting thing. How we look at a thing will determine our attitude as we go through. I am sure Joseph felt forgotten and abandoned. He watched his chance for freedom slip out of his hands. Yet, it was not the right time. He could have been released then and there but he might have missed the greatness that God knew was coming his way. 
    Sometimes, we can become so impatient as we wait for deliverance from a bad situation, as we wait for circumstances to change in our favour, as we wait for healing to come, as we wait for a promotion. Whatever you may be waiting for, the wait can be difficult but, rest assured, when you choose to trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense, He will work it out but in His time. Isaiah 60:22 says, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen” (NLT). In short, God knows when is the perfect time to bring it to pass. 
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God has a perfect plan for your life and a perfect time to bring that plan to pass. God also sees and knows what you may be going through and will bring you through when the time is right. God is never late and He will not fail you!​

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