Who Has Helped You?
by Tanya Person
I was reading again the story of Joseph in prison. He was unjustly accused and serving time, but still he served the Lord wherever he was, so he was given responsibility over the other prisoners. One day he saw that two of the prisoners looked upset. He asked them why and they told him it was because of the dream they had each had the night before and they didn’t know what the dreams meant.
Joseph told them that interpreting dreams is God’s business and told them to tell him their dreams. When they told him their dreams, he told them the meaning of their dreams. He asked the cupbearer to mention him to Pharaoh because he was unjustly imprisoned. The story goes on and things happened just as Joseph has interpreted from the dreams. But then it says that the cup bearer forgot all about Joseph and didn’t give him another thought.
That verse made me stop and think. Joseph had helped the cup bearer. If Joseph had not interpreted his dream, maybe he would have been so distressed from wondering what it meant that he would not have been in good condition to serve Pharaoh, and maybe he would not have got his position back. Or maybe he still would have, but his last days in prison were definitely easier because of Joseph. But he forgot all about Joseph.
What about us? All of us have been helped in some way by someone. Do we remember to thank God for them? Do we remember to thank them?
Many years ago I was prompted to write to my parents and thank them for the good that they imparted to me as I was growing up. I am so thankful for them. Another time a challenge circulated on Facebook. The challenge was for ten consecutive days to write about one of your heroes. It was an opportunity to think about the people in your life who have made an impact and acknowledge them publicly.
May I suggest that today you take a few moments to think about those people who have made an impact on you? Thank God for them and ask Him if you should do something for them.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You have put so many different people in my life over the years who have helped me on life’s journey. Forgive me for the times I have been like the cup bearer and haven’t given them another thought. Please remind me who these people are. Thank You for them and the impact they had in my life. Please show me if there is some way that I should thank them or honour them in some way. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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