Genesis 41:1-40

Brothers and sisters, today we stand upon a truth that has echoed throughout the generations—when God’s time comes, no prison, no delay, no earthly power can stop His plan. He does not forget His faithful ones. He does not abandon those who walk in integrity. And when the appointed time arrives, He lifts them up in ways no man can imagine.

For two long years, Joseph remained in prison. Two years after the cupbearer had been restored to Pharaoh’s side. Two years of silence. Two years of waiting. Can you imagine the questions that must have filled Joseph’s heart?

“Lord, have You forgotten me?”

“Have I not been faithful?”

“Is this how my story ends?”

But, church, God’s delays are not His denials. While Joseph was waiting, God was working. While Joseph was confined, heaven was preparing the moment that would change everything.

And then, Pharaoh had a dream.

Not one, but two dreams that troubled his spirit. He saw seven fat cows devoured by seven lean cows. He saw seven healthy heads of grain swallowed up by seven thin, scorched heads. Pharaoh awoke, disturbed, knowing that these dreams carried meaning beyond the ordinary. He called for his magicians, his wise men—yet no one could interpret them.

But then—oh, church, hear this! —then, the cupbearer remembered Joseph.

Two years had passed, but God had kept Joseph’s name in the mind of the cupbearer for such a time as this. And in that moment, Pharaoh called for Joseph.

Now, imagine this scene.

One moment, Joseph was in the dungeon, clothed in rags, forgotten by the world. The next, he was standing in the palace, before the ruler of the greatest empire on earth.

Church, when God’s time comes, you don’t have to force doors open—they will call for you!

Pharaoh looked at Joseph and said, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it.”

And listen to Joseph’s response—oh, how I love this man’s heart! He did not take credit. He did not boast. He did not say, “Yes, I am gifted.” No! Joseph replied, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

Oh, saints, here is a lesson! When God begins to lift you up, do not let pride take root. Always point to the One who holds all wisdom and power. Joseph understood—he was merely a vessel. The wisdom belonged to God.

And so, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. He declared, “The two dreams are one. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.”

Seven years of abundance were coming years of great harvest, of overflowing grain, of prosperity like Egypt had never seen. But after them, seven years of famine would follow—so severe that the abundance would be forgotten, and the land would be consumed in hunger.

But Joseph did not stop with the warning. He offered a solution. He said, “Let Pharaoh appoint a wise and discerning man over the land. Let him gather a fifth of the produce during the seven years of plenty, storing it away for the years of famine, so that Egypt may survive.”

And at that moment, Pharaoh looked at Joseph and said, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”

Oh, church! The prisoner had become the counselor. The forgotten had become the favored.

And then, Pharaoh said something that would change Joseph’s life forever:

“Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

Joseph woke up that morning a prisoner. He went to bed that night as the second most powerful man in Egypt.

Church, I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but your prison is not permanent. The suffering you have endured is not the end of your story. When God’s time comes, He will lift you higher than you ever imagined.

But hear me now—Joseph was not just elevated for himself. His position was not for luxury; it was for purpose. God placed him in the palace to preserve a nation, to save lives, to prepare the way for what was to come.

So, I ask you today—what is God preparing you for? What doors is He getting ready to open? What position is He shaping you to step into?

Do not despise the waiting. Do not lose faith in the suffering. Because when the appointed time comes, nothing can stop the hand of God from lifting you up.

And just as Joseph’s story did not end in the prison, neither will yours.

Amen.