Getting Perspective

The next morning Pharaoh was very disturbed by the dreams. So he called for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. When Pharaoh told them his dreams, not one of them could tell him what they meant.  (Genesis 41:8 NLT)

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it." "It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease."  (Genesis 41:15-16 NLT)

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck.  (Genesis 41:41-42 NLT)

When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we'll die."  (Genesis 42:1-2 NLT)

Speaking among themselves, they said, "Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn't listen. That's why we're in this trouble." (Genesis 42:21 NLT)

"Look!" he exclaimed to his brothers. "My money has been returned; it's here in my sack!" Then their hearts sank. Trembling, they said to each other, "What has God done to us?" (Genesis 42:28 NLT)

Jacob exclaimed, "You are robbing me of my children! Joseph is gone! Simeon is gone! And now you want to take Benjamin, too. Everything is going against me!" (Genesis 42:36 NLT)

Pharaoh is disturbed by dreams.  Joseph is called to interpret.

Joseph shares God's interpretation of the dream.  He's put in charge...for the third time.

Joesph's father thinks they are all going to die from the famine.

Joesph's brothers think they are being punished for selling Joseph into slavery.

Joesph's dad thinks he is being robbed of more of his children.

 Everything is going wrong.

God is using Pharaoh's dreams to save everyone from the famine.

God is providing the interpretation of the dreams to Joseph.

God is putting Joseph in charge so he will meet his brothers again.

God is working to protect, preserve, and unite Joseph's family.

Everything is going just fine.

Rather than be "disturbed" like Pharaoh, why don't we ask God like Joseph.

Rather than fearing punishment like his brother, why don't we reconcile like Joseph.

Rather than "freak out" like Jacob, why don't we just trust Him like Joseph.

Joseph wasn't perfect.  Neither are we.

He talked to God, listened to God, and remained faithful to God in all circumstances.  Will we?