God Is Busy In My Waiting

When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die.” Genesis 42:1-2

While I’m praying for many years about something that breaks my heart in two, it can appear as if I have a Father who withholds intervention for no good reason. He could act today, couldn’t He? Doesn’t love come running? If a parent can do something to alleviate a child’s suffering, won’t he? This is the human side of praying. God’s side is much more expansive, however.

So much happened behind the scenes while Joseph waited in slavery. God wasn’t deaf to his cries for deliverance. Though Joseph didn’t see evidence of that outside of the daily grace God provided, he couldn’t know that there was so much happening behind the scenes. The right Pharaoh had to be in power to dream the dream that Joseph interpreted.

• The brothers had to live with their sin and come to a place of humility so that the forgiveness Joseph would eventually extend could be effective.
• The land outside Egypt’s borders had to move toward famine so that desperation would make Jacob turn his eyes toward Egypt.
• Joseph needed the humility and wisdom only borne of suffering to one-day lead a nation well. Good leaders are cultivated in a crucible.

Could Joseph have guessed that God was working?  No. No more than I can while I sit in my waiting room. But God was moving history around with His index finger and all to bring about the salvation of His people. Can I not trust Him with my life?

As I review the activity of an active, powerful, all-wise and loving God on behalf of Joseph, I just may begin to see my own story with the eyes of faith.

Write the stories of spiritual brothers like Joseph on my heart. I need to review and review how Your unfailing love works. Amen