NOT FORGOTTEN

• DAY 141
• FAITH FILE: JOSEPH 
• SCRIPTURES: GENESIS 40:23; 41:9-13

Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.” Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 

I must confess there are seasons in my life that I felt offended because someone did not return the favour I had shown them. I was always there to help and support their brand but they had the opportunity to recommend me and they didn’t, it hurt. I was expecting them to do me good as I did for them. Just as Joseph was when he said

But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.” Genesis 40:14-15

He had helped the butler not only interpret his dream but relieve the anxiety he felt when he couldn’t find anyone to help. All he asked was a little remembrance but he didn’t get that for two whole years.

The Right Time To Remember

I imagine that Joseph was so expectant the first few days or even weeks after the butler left. He probably held out hope for his release but nothing happened. I would have felt disappointed. but the kind of man Joseph was, he probably went back to serving others and trusting the Lord. Then one day he gets called to see pharoah. The butler finally remembered that he owed someone a favor and stepped up to  and that day everything changed for Joseph.

The remembrance came at such an opportune moment that not only resulted in his release but in his elevation. Had he remembered him earlier, pharoah may not have paid attention, if he did, he probably would have just released him and that would be it. But God didn’t bring Joseph this far to have him walk away with nothing.

Forgotten On Purpose

Beloved, God didn’t bring you this far to have you walk away empty. He has a purpose for you and that purpose must be made manifest. So forgive those people that chose to forget you. The God who remembers is not ready for them to remember you yet. It was the same with Mordecai. When God got ready for him to be remembered, a king lost his sleep and that remembrance not only gave him honor but saved his life.

If you are in that season when it seems like everyone has neglected or forgotten your kindness. Do not be dismayed. God hasn’t forgotten. Your seed of kindness and your labour of love are not forgotten by Abba. Trust Him. And ask Him today for the grace to be patient for your time of remembrance. 

Shalom.