No More Crumbs

“And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up…that food shall be a reserve for the land…of famine…” Genesis 41:35-36

 

Finally, the day had come for Joseph when God reminded the chief butler there was a man in prison who could help interpret his master’s dream. What was it like for the door of the dungeon to open up allowing in daylight? Did Joseph see only a silhouette of a man as he shielded his eyes allowing them to adjust to the bright light? How his heart must have soared when he heard the silence broken by the beautiful words of his return to the palace. Another dream needing interpretation…another chance at freedom…another promise made by God and promise kept. These words in our morning passage are words spoken from Joseph to Pharaoh as advice to prosper during a prophesy of impending famine. Joseph was put in charge of everything in the palace short of the king’s throne as a result of his interpretation of the dream given by God. I find it so interesting that what preserved Joseph spiritually while in prison was the same advice that he gave the king to execute a successful plan for the future.

 

‘Gather all the food of the good years and store up.’ I know that the main reason Joseph was able to endure…persevere…and triumph over his circumstances is because before the prison years came, he spent time with the Lord in the good years. He met daily with God…He walked faithfully with God…He talked constantly to God. He stored up the things that flowed from his relationship with God…peace…wisdom…joy…faith. By the time he was locked in the dungeon he carried within his heart a mighty spiritual reserve. 

 

I know that we will all experience favor and abundance even in our difficult seasons when we realize the importance of storing up food for the famine…the food of the Word. When we tuck His truths and promises deep in our hearts our spiritual pantries will never be empty. Our shelves will provide every bit of nourishment required during the tough times. We will not feast on crumbs but instead pull up our chairs to the table of God’s banquet. So, let us all gather during these times and store up the good we have found in Jesus.