21 July Genesis 40

While others may forget us, God never will.

Genesis 40:14 (NIV) “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison”. That feeling of being forgotten is a terrible one. In this passage, we see Joseph in a difficult situation. He is stuck in prison and wondering if he is ever going to get out. He’s lonely and feels as if everyone has forgotten about him. This is probably Joseph’s lowest point of his life.

The cupbearer had fallen far, just like Joseph. He had gone from being the guy Pharaoh trusted with his life to being in a dungeon. Joseph asks a favour from his new friend, saying, “When all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness, mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” The cupbearer got his job back, but he didn’t remember Joseph. Genesis 40:23 (NIV) “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him”. However, God never forgot Joseph, He remember Him. Like Joseph, if you are struggling today, remember that God has not forgotten you. These verses build our hope in God even when we are in trouble:

1) Isaiah 49:15–16 (ESV) “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me”. 2) 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 3) 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) “ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”.

While others may forget us, God never will.