You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about Joseph lately. Here we are, fresh off an election, facing changes in our national leadership, and I can’t help but see the parallels with this amazing story of God’s providence in Egypt.
Remember Joseph? There he was, standing before Pharaoh, interpreting those dreams that would change a nation. “God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do,” he said with quiet confidence (Genesis 41:25, NASB). Isn’t it striking how God used this moment of leadership transition to position someone who would listen to His guidance?
Let’s be real – our country is entering its own season of transition. Just like Egypt was about to face dramatic changes, we’re standing at the threshold of new leadership and fresh challenges. But here’s what really grabs me about Joseph’s story: he didn’t just hear from God; he acted on what he heard.
During those seven years of plenty, Joseph didn’t sit back and relax. Scripture tells us, “He collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities” (Genesis 41:48, NASB). He used the good times to prepare for the challenging times ahead. There’s such wisdom there for us today!
Think about it – Joseph could have said, “Well, we’ve got plenty now, so why worry about tomorrow?” But he understood something crucial: seasons change, and God gives us times of abundance precisely so we can prepare for leaner times. Solomon caught this same wisdom when he wrote, “The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it” (Proverbs 22:3, NASB).
Right now, we’re in our own critical moment. With new leadership coming to our nation, some folks are celebrating while others are concerned. But maybe, just maybe, God is calling us to look beyond the political landscape to something deeper. What if, like Joseph, we’re being called to use this transition period to prepare – spiritually, mentally, and yes, even practically – for what lies ahead?
Here’s what strikes me as so powerful: when the famine hit Egypt, people from all around came seeking help. Why? Because Joseph had listened to God and prepared during the good times. “There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food” (Genesis 41:54, NASB).
So, what does this mean for us today?
First, we need to stay tuned to God’s voice. Just as He warned Egypt through Joseph, He still speaks to His people today. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach” (James 1:5, NASB).
Second, we need to act on what we hear. This isn’t about panicking; it’s about wise preparation. Whether it’s strengthening our faith communities, building our resources, or deepening our spiritual reserves, now is the time to prepare.
Third, we need to remember that God often uses transitions – even uncertain ones – for His purposes. Joseph probably didn’t understand at first why God allowed him to be sold into slavery, but that very situation positioned him to save not just Egypt, but his own family.
As we watch our nation’s leadership change, let’s remember: our ultimate security isn’t in who sits in the halls of power, but in the God who orchestrates all things. As Solomon reminds us, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1, NASB).
Let’s use this season wisely, friends. Like Joseph, may we be found faithful in preparing during times of plenty, so we can be a blessing to others when challenges come. After all, isn’t that exactly what our world needs right now – people who are prepared to be light in times of darkness?
Prayer: Father, give us Joseph’s wisdom to recognize the seasons we’re in, and the courage to prepare for what’s ahead. Help us look beyond political changes to see Your hand at work. Guide us in using this time of transition to strengthen our faith, build our resources, and prepare to be a blessing to others. Thank You that You remain sovereign over every change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This isn’t just about surviving change – it’s about thriving through it, just like Joseph did. And maybe, just maybe, God has positioned us “for such a time as this” to be His instruments of hope and help in our own challenging times.
