READING: Genesis 41-42
How much God does for us that we cannot do! Joseph knew this truth well, as we see in today’s reading. Pharaoh had had two strange dreams, and word came to him that Joseph had previously interpreted dreams properly. So, he sent for Joseph in the prison and asked him to interpret his dreams. Look at Joseph’s response: “I cannot do it . . . but God will give Pharaoh the answer.” (Gen. 41:16).
Just the first seven words of Joseph’s response should give us hope today: “I cannot do it . . . but God will . . ..” Think about the anticipation we have here:
- I cannot save people, but God will.
- I cannot answer prayer, but God will.
- I cannot forgive sinners, but God will.
- I cannot grant hope to the hopeless, but God will.
- I cannot stretch dollars to meet needs, but God will.
- I cannot build the church, but God will.
- I cannot resurrect the dead, but God will.
- I cannot ultimately defeat the devil, but God will.
The truth is that we can’t do anything that God calls us to do in our own power. We can’t love Him, hear Him, or follow Him in our strength — but God will change and mold us to get us there. We can’t love the unlovable, but God will incline our hearts toward them. We can’t preach or teach the Word in power, but God will empower us. Husbands can’t love their wives as Christ demands, and wives can’t respond in turn, but God will bring them to that place. We can’t overcome sin, but God will be the warrior who fights for us.
"But God will" . . . Those are good words for us today.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- What are you waiting on God to do today? Trust Him to keep His promises.
- What are you trying to do today in your own power? Ask God to bring you to the place to say, “I cannot do it.” Sometimes, that’s a good place to be.
PRAYER: “Lord, teach me that I can’t do it. Break me of my arrogance, and draw me to You, the One who will accomplish His plan.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 43-45