A Good Question

Read Genesis 39-42:5
 
Genesis 40:6-7 When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset. 7 “Why do you look so worried today?” he asked them.
 
THE overall theme of Josephs’ tragic and then triumphant story echoes the Bible’s theme of redemption. God has chosen Joseph to save his family from sin and death, so the nation Israel will have a place to grow. We see the Spirit powerfully upon Joseph when he absolutely refuses to denies Potiphar’s wife’s temptations with, “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” (Genesis 39:9b) We all can use such words to deliver us from the Evil One.
   Once more, we read how God used opposition to advance his purpose. As Joseph is in a miserable prison, falsely accused, he could have responded to God with a victim mentality: “Why me? It’s so unfair!” He might have ruled with an angry spirit to brutalize and demean others.
   But HE IS had given Joseph a tender compassion. Joseph asked the good question, a question rooted in God’s grace and authority on his life. “Why do you look so worried today?” seems so simple, doesn’t it? Yet the good question will have lasting implications. God’s good power is within you. Be willing to activate it even with “little” things he brings before you.
   The question then became the key to Joseph’s and Israel’s future. Joseph’s compassion led to the interpretation of the baker’s and the cupbearer’s dreams. This eventually gave Joseph a reputation that would send him to Pharaoh. Interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph became Egypt’s second highest authority. Do you see how each good thing you do in God’s power can cause lasting blessings for many?
   The Holy Spirit had stirred in Joseph the power to reject temptation, to administer wisely, to be compassionate and to interpret dreams. The faithful Joseph used his gifts to glorify God and to protect God’s people.
   In the same way, God offers his grace in your life. If someone would ask you, “Why do you look so worried today?” would you answer with a trust that God has come to you? Would you believe the Holy Spirit wants to hear your need, so you can know his help?
   In turn, what would happen if you asked the “good question”. When you see someone with a sad face, stop what you are doing. Trust God. With a sincere heart, go ahead and ask, “Why do you look so worried?” Be willing to look into the person’s face, so they know you really want to hear their response. Who knows? Your question may change a life – even yours.
 
Look and See: Are you aware of those around you?