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 (NIV)
Here was Joseph, standing before Pharaoh, the ruler of the world. Can you imagine? You are brought from prison, bathed and suited up and taken before a king. I imagine that must have been a little nerve racking. After all, Joseph knew that if Pharaoh wasn't pleased, he executed you.
And then Pharaoh said "I hear you interpret dreams." Do you think Joseph pondered if he should or shouldn't say yes? What if he interpreted them wrong? What if the interpretation didn't come true? Pharaoh would impale him on a pole like he did the Chief Baker.
Those are all the thoughts that would have gone through my head. But, not Joseph.
Joseph was sure of who he was and who gave him the interpretations. He knew on his own he could not accomplish such a great task. He knew who God was and what God had done in his life. Joseph gave God the glory.
In our lifetime, we probably will never be called before a King to interpret their dreams. But how often do people tell us what a great thing we did and we are tempted to take the credit for it? I know in my life, anything good that is done is because God did it. His hand is in everything and he deserves the glory.
Over and over in the Bible we see the downfall of God's people happen when they stop looking at what God is doing and start believing that it's about them. It is never about us. It is always about God. I pray that, like Joseph, we will humbly remember to give God the glory as we say "I cannot do it but, God can."