READ Genesis 41
Joseph rises to power.
 
INSIGHT
God does God’s work, and people do people’s work. People’s work is faithfulness to what God has called them; God’s work is results. If we reverse the two, we can drive ourselves to an early grave. If we keep them in line, we can labor with freedom. We need not get puffed up with pride when things go well, nor need we get distressed when things go poorly. To Pharaoh's question, Joseph answered, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace" (Genesis 41:16). Our job is faithfulness; God's job is results.
 
PRAYER
Thank the Lord that He always does what He desires:
But at the end of those days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity returned to me. Then I praised the Most High and honored and glorified him who lives forever: For his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are counted as nothing, and he does what he wants with the army of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can block his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:34-35).
 
Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life in fellowship with Him:
Hear the petitions of your servant and your people Israel, which they pray toward this place. May you hear in your dwelling place in heaven. May you hear and forgive (2 Chronicles 6:21).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.
What can a mere mortal do to me?
The Lord is my helper;
therefore, I will look in triumph
on those who hate me (Psalm 118:6-7).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater faithfulness in your life
• Mercy on those who are suffering
• Today's activities

 
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).