Pharaoh has two dreams that troubled him. In the first seven thin cows eat seven fat cows (v1-4) and in the second seven thin ears of corn eat seven healthy ears (v5-7). None of his wise men could explain the dreams (v8).

The cupbearer shares how Joseph could interpret dreams (v9-13). Joseph is then called for (v14-15). Others had forgotten Joseph but the Lord had not and now was the perfect time for him to be released. Joseph showed faithfulness in hard times because he trusted in God’s perfect plans.

Before the king Joseph shows great humility by emphasising that God alone can reveal these truths (v16). In everything Joseph was God-centred and sought to give the glory to God.

Pharaoh shares his dreams (v17-24) and Joseph explains that they speak of seven good years of harvest followed by seven years of famine (v25-27).

Joseph was able to explain the future because the God who holds the future revealed it to him. All we need to know about the future is in God’s word and is there so we can be faithful and make sense in the middle of difficult days. The more you know of God’s word the more you will be able to make sense of what is happening and will continue to happen in this world.