The next series of articles including the one entitled "Dream Haters" will cover the life of the prophet Joseph, Through reading, you will discover that no matter how hopeless Joseph’s life may have appeared to be, God’s favor was with him. From his dark days in slavery to a royal seat in the palace, Joseph was highly favored and a recipient of God’s best.

After being brought by the Ishmaelites down to Egypt, Joseph was bought by Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief officer. Though a slave, Joseph was successful and prospered. He pleased Potiphar who made supervisor over all that he had.

When Joseph rejected the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she lied on him and Joseph was subsequently put in prison.

While in prison, Joseph met a butler and baker who were also imprisoned by Pharaoh. Joseph’s encounters with the two led to him interpreting some dreams that they had. Within the following days Joseph’s interpretations became a reality. The butler was restored to his position and the baker was killed.

During the time Joseph gave the interpretations, he had one request of the butler. He asked him to show kindness and mention him to Pharaoh so that he can be released. "For truly I was carried away from the land of the Hebrews by unlawful force, and here too I have done nothing for which they should put me in the dungeon." Genesis 40:15. As do most people, when the butler was released, he forgot about Joseph.

After a couple of years, Pharaoh dreamed a dream that troubled him. In the dream, seven well-favored cows came up out of the river, followed seven other cows, which were ill favored, ugly, and gaunt. The ill-favored cows ate up the fat cows. In another dream, seven ears of good plump corn was devoured by seven ears of thin blighted corn.

Being very troubled, Pharaoh called for the wise men and magicians to interpret them, but no one was able to. This angered the king. Feeling the pressure and remembering his former prison time, the butler told the king about Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams.

Immediately, Joseph was brought to Pharaoh and asked to interpret his dreams. Being the humble and honest man that he was, Joseph did not take credit for his ability to interpret dreams, but gave the glory to God.

Joseph interpreted the dreams and relayed his findings to Pharaoh that seven years of great plenty would be followed by seven years of famine and hunger. Pharaoh was then instructed to appoint a wise proficient man over the land of Egypt and to take one-fifth of the produce and store up food during the plenteous years to compensate for the years of famine.
Joseph’s plan pleased the king as well as his servants. As a result, Joseph was given charge over the house of Pharaoh. "Forasmuch as [your] God has shown you all this, there is nobody as intelligent, discreet, understanding and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word [with reverence, submission, and obedience]. Only in matters of the throne will I be greater than you are." Genesis 41: 39-40 (Amp) Talk about favor, Joseph had it!!!!!!!!! Not a bad paycheck for interpreting dreams.

Just as the favor of God was upon Joseph as a result of his obedience, God is waiting to bless those who also trust in and serve him. Maybe you are not an interpreter of dreams like Joseph, but whatever the Lord asks of you, do it and you, too, will find favor with Him.

By Naomi J. Brown