Genesis 41:16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
There are few words that hold so great a terror to so many people than “I cannot do it.” Almost no one wants to proclaim their inability to accomplish something. We don’t want to identify our weakness. We want to be seen as strong and capable.
Employers want people with a ‘can do’ attitude. They want people, unlike themselves, who will try things and work so hard to succeed that they actually accomplish the task. They don’t want people who are unwilling to push themselves in difficult circumstances.
But God values a different type of person. He values people who take an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to acknowledge their limits. He loves people who admit they are weak. It is only when we admit our weakness can His strength take over.
The account of Joseph’s life is one of the best stories every written. It is very difficult to stop partway through. I have read this account every year for many years and it is still a page-turner. I know the next steps. I know how it turns out. But I still cheer for Joseph as he encounters God’s hand in unusual ways.
In today’s episode of Joseph’s life, his ability to interpret dreams is called upon by the leader of Egypt, Pharaoh. No pressure here. The previous recipient of Joseph’s ability in the area is the one who tipped off Pharaoh to Joseph’s abilities, perhaps with a bit of oversell. No other person could interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Desperation had taken over.
When a leader is unhappy, all around him try to fix the situation. So Joseph is brought out of prison, cleaned up and presented to Pharaoh. Pharaoh addresses Joseph, the prisoner dream-interpreter directly. Wow, talk about a change in fortunes! Prisoner to someone from whom the king makes a request.
The first thing Joseph says in reply to the Pharaoh is “I cannot do it.” Not the answer the ruler of Egypt is likely to accept. He has been told that Joseph can do it, so Joseph’s words probably sounded like rebellion. And rebellion leads to more prison and death.
Many of us in Joseph’s shoes would have said (knowing that the LORD would give us the answer), “Sure thing, Pha my man. I can do that for you… for a price.” But this is not Joseph’s approach. He goes with honesty first and honesty alone.
So after his honesty Joseph does point Pharaoh to the source of all wisdom. God can provide, and will provide. This is faith in action. Joseph could have hedged his bets. He could have said that the LORD might give Pharaoh the answer, but he didn’t. He stuck his neck out.
And as we read the rest of the story, Joseph’s neck was saved and adorned with honor and power. Joseph’s story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, just like our lives. But Joseph faces these twists and turns with two things: honesty and faith. That is a pretty good combination for anyone to promote in their lives.
The Arnold Journey 