I Cannot Do It

(Genesis 39-41)

Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and ends up in Egypt. A man by the name of Potiphar purchases him and puts him to work in his home. Joseph is blessed by God and Potiphar took note of Joseph's success in all he does and so he places Joseph over all he has. All goes well for a time, but then Potiphar's wife takes a liking for Joseph and seeks to have an affair with him. He is a man of God and so he rejects her advances and she doesn't handle his rejection too well. She claims he tried to rape her and he ends up in prison, where God once again prospers him.

Becasue of his conduct, the prison warden places Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners. While in prison, he interprets the dreams of two of Pharaoh's servants and they promise to remember him when they are released. One is executed and the other returns to his position in the king's service. Two years go by and the servant forgets about Joseph until Pharaoh has a dream and no one can give an interpretation. He remembers his encounter with Joseph and how he gave a true interpretaion of his dream and tells the king about him. Joseph is called from the prison and asked to interpret Paraoh's dream. That is a long way to go to get to this simple scripture... Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." (Genesis 41:15, 16) 

After all of his successes and after all his troubles, Joseph still remembers that it is God that does the work and gives the blessing. He has risen to the top everywhere he has been. He is a good looking young man. He is in great physical condition. Women want to be with him and men admire him.... but he says, "I cannot do it". In a world where personal position, success and appearance is the focus, it is refreshing to read about a young man that understood that it was God behind it all. That is why, as Christians we root for Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and others that are successful in this life, but acknowledge that God is the reason for their success; He is the source of every good thing in their lives.

Joseph says, "I cannot do it, but God can"! Whether you are in the pit or second in command, whether you are in the prison or running it, whether you are a servant or the one being served; remember that it is God that is behind it all. He is the one that can lift you up or bring you down. He is the one that can open a door or close it shut. Whatever your current situation, God can use it for your benefit and His. Joseph demonstrated his humble spirit and because of that, God was able to use him in every situation. No doubt Joseph didn't think it was fun to be sold into salvery or be imprisoned for something he didn't do; but his aim was always one of being God's servant.

Mop the floor; I cannot do it, but God can! Clean the prison cells; I cannot do it, but God can. Be in charge of the prison; I cannot do it, but God can. Serve as second in command in Egypt; I cannot do it, but God can. Joseph serves as a great example for us; no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what situation we find ourselves in; we can't, but God can. I like the way Paul put in his letter to the Philippians, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"! (c4, v13) Pual, like Joseph understood that God was at work behind every circumstance and through His power he received the strength he needed.

May we all learn the lesson that Joseph teaches. He tells us that no matter how low we go or how high we fly, it is God. He reaches through the years to say to you and me, "You cannot, but God can". You can tell your neighbor about Jesus. You can overcome that sin that you have struggled with for decades. You can save that marriage that is on the rocks. You can restore your broken relationship with that family member. Well, maybe you can't, but God can. May we let Him work in our lives.