Gen 41:9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.

This is the part of the Joseph story after he’s left in prison and the cupbearer has forgotten about him… remember, he was supposed to put in a good word for Joseph when he got out of prison?

Anyway, what happens after this is really the beginning of Joseph’s life and God’s work and grace in his life. The Bible says Joseph was about 30 when this happened.

2 takeaways from this part of the Joseph story…

Wherever you are, whether it’s where you wanted to be or not, know that God still wants to take you to new places.

If you aren’t where you thought you’d be, keep plugging away faithfully in “jail” until God releases the blessing. Be faithful. God hasn’t forgotten you even if you feel like everyone else has! I really believe this concept is one that separates the heroes of the Christian faith from the rest. It’s not perfection, but it’s the willingness to hold on to God and be faithful in the meantime… while we’re waiting on God to do something big. The truth is, it’s easy to trust God and hold on when things are going well and progressing like you’re hoping and praying. It’s the people that keep the faith through the apparent inactivity of God that are different, they’re the ones He uses the most. Joseph was faithful. He was abandoned by everyone else, but he was faithful to God and the task at hand.

Young person, don’t think that just because you feel like you’re treading water that you can forget about the dreams you once had.

Joseph was 30! This is when he became head over all of Pharaoh’s stuff. I’m sure that up until that point, Joseph thought he had done some living, and he had. What Joseph did, though, was learn for the big task he’d later get. As the old saying goes, don’t despise small beginnings.

Be faithful. Try to be patient. God is on the other side and He’s at work.