All Credit to God

Chapter 41 of Genesis tells the famous account of Pharaoh's dreams. To sum, Pharaoh has a series of difficult-to-interpret dreams, and he seeks someone to decipher their meaning. One of Pharaoh's assistants informs him that a Hebrew man by the name of Joseph, imprisoned for the past several years, has the ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh immediately calls for Joseph.

Now realize, Joseph has spent several years in prison! Probably a horrible prison, at that! It would be natural, even expected, for Joseph to arrive in a very bad mood. Instead, (Genesis 41:15,16, NLT),

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.”

First, Joseph doesn't take credit for his skill -- he attributes it to God. Second, and perhaps more amazing, Joseph evidently hold no ill will toward Pharaoh or God!

We should strive to emulate Joseph's example. Whatever life's circumstances, the lesson is that we must keep God first.