Day 52 – Genesis 41:53-57
When the Famine Came
Scripture Reading – Genesis 41:53-57
And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
Genesis 41:53 KJV
And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Genesis 41:54 KJV
And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
Genesis 41:55 KJV
And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:56 KJV
And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Genesis 41:57 KJV
Scripture Review
The seven years of plenty end, and the famine begins exactly as Joseph said. The dearth reaches other lands, but in Egypt there is bread. When the people cry to Pharaoh, he directs them to Joseph. Joseph opens the storehouses and sells corn, and all countries come into Egypt because the famine is sore everywhere.
Preparation that once looked excessive now looks merciful. Every measured portion stored during plenty becomes food in a season of need. Joseph does not control the famine, but he faithfully distributes what was entrusted to him before it arrived. God’s purpose reaches beyond one man’s promotion. The point is life preserved. The authority Joseph received becomes a means of feeding people, including the family that does not yet know he is alive.
The hungry nations meant to find bread wherever it could be purchased, and Pharaoh meant for Joseph to administer Egypt’s prepared supply.
God meant to preserve many lives and draw Jacob’s household toward the brother He had sent before them.
What this asks of me
Preparation becomes ministry when stored resources are opened for people in need. I should not hoard what God entrusted or use authority only to secure myself. Wisdom gathers at the proper time and gives at the proper time. The blessing is not the full storehouse; it is the lives that can be sustained from it.
Consider
- What resource, skill, or experience has God entrusted to me for someone else’s need?
- Do I measure blessing by what I possess or by how faithfully it can serve?