“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:16

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, faced many difficulties as a young man. His brothers, jealous because their father favored him, plotted to kill Joseph, but instead ended up selling him into slavery in Egypt. There he set himself apart by his good work, only to be falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit and be wrongly thrown into prison. You can read Joseph’s amazing story in Genesis 37 and 39-50.

Through all of this Joseph maintained his integrity and faith in God, and God gave him the special ability to interpret dreams. Eventually, Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt and most powerful person on the planet at that time, had dreams and none of his wise men could interpret them. Pharaoh’s cupbearer, who had been in prison for a time with Joseph, told Pharaoh about him and Joseph was quickly brought in for consultation.

Pharaoh said, “I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” He probably expected Joseph to answer confidently, “Yes, I can. I am the man for the job!”

But Joseph replied, “I cannot do it” which likely startled Pharaoh, but also made him listen to Joseph’s next words, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Joseph gave God the credit for his abilities and Pharaoh gave glory to God and honor and position to Joseph. We too should faithfully and consistently give God the recognition and glory he deserves for the talents and abilities he gives us and, like he did with Joseph, God will use us to accomplish his purposes and to spread the good news of his love to those around us.

Ask God how you can best bring glory to him through the special abilities he’s given you.