Interpreting Dreams is God's Business

"And they replied, "We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean."

"Interpreting dreams is God's business," Joseph replied. "Go ahead and tell me your dreams." " Genesis 40:8

As I was reading Genesis chapter 40 this morning, God emphasized verse 40:8 to me. At this point in Joseph's life, he is still imprisoned. The warden has entrusted him to watch over the prisoners and, as I mentioned yesterday, God made him successful in everything he did. In addition, people noticed and saw that God was with him. Because of this, they also prospered as a result of Joseph's success.

In today's scripture, the Pharoah had imprisoned his cup bearer and his chief baker. These two men were very important to Pharoah. They held a high position in Pharoah's court. They had to be trustworthy and loyal men. The cup bearer tasted everything Pharoah ate or drank to ensure it was safe. The chief baker oversaw the preparation of all of Pharoah's food. For whatever reason, something had happened that caused Pharoah to throw them both into prison. While in prison, Joseph looked after them. Both men had a dream and wanted to know what they meant. They asked others but no one in the prison could tell them what their dreams meant. Noticing that they were upset, Joseph asked them why they were worried. They explained their situation and their dismay that no one could interpret their dreams. Then Joseph's response in Gen. 40:8..."Interpreting dreams is God's business." ...."Go ahead and tell me your dreams."

Notice what Joseph did. He took the focus off people, himself included, and redirected everyone to God. He gave God the credit right off the bat, before he did anything. Of course no one could tell them about their dream...only God could interpret their dreams. Joseph recognized that his ability to interpret dreams came directly from God. It wasn't anything he could do on his own. He used this opportunity as a powerful witnessing tool for the Lord.

My commentary for this scripture says that "One secret for effective witnessing is to recognize opportunities to relate God to the other person's experience. Whe the opportunity arises, we must have the courage to speak, as Joseph did."


What I'm about to tell you is God's business, God in action. I was just the willing, or somewhat unwilling tool. I am not bragging in any way because I almost didn't obey.

The other day, I took my daughter shopping for new basketball shoes and equipment. We went to one of the sports supply stores in our area. When we were checking out, I felt this sudden love and compassion for the lady who was our cashier. She was an older lady. Very friendly, very nice. I felt as if the Holy Spirit was prompting me to encourage her in some way. To give her a word that she was loved by God. I know that I sound crazy, but I can tell you the feeling was just as strong and real as anything I've ever experienced. Well, I was a coward. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. CHICKEN is the word. When we returned to our car, I just couldn't leave. The feeling just kept getting stronger and stronger. I shared what I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to do with my daughter. She pretty much thought I was nuts. So we decided to go back in, purchase something else, and when I checked out I would say, "God bless you!" So, that's what we did. We went back in, purchased snacks for us and beach toys for my youngest son, and stood in her line. When it became my turn, the guy behind me interrupted my transaction to ask about propane tank refills. Then began arguing with her over the fact that the store was out. I waited until this discussion ended, looked her in the eye, smiled at her, thanked her for her help, and said "God bless you!" Nothing earth shattering, I know, but I marvelled at it's timing. I was able to say it at a time she really may have needed to hear it. After someone had treated her somewhat meanly.

That's our wonderful God. He used that as an opportunity for witnessing in a small way to this lady. Amazing! So like Joseph, let's look for opportunities to relate God to other's experiences. Point others to God, give Him the credit, and be a witness for Him in our lives.