Seven Years of Famine and Plenty
Seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:29-30
The history of the world (including the detailed circumstances of our lives) is a vast machine full of springs and wheels, all controlled by the finger of God. Take Joseph, for example. His life was full of problems: A dysfunctional family, jealous brothers, slavery, accusations, and years in prison. The broader history of his world included a powerful despot who suffered bad dreams. And don’t forget the uncontrollable weather that brought famine to the land.
God was in it all. He was working out His plans and purposes; not a single event was random or haphazard. As Joseph told Pharaoh when discussing the dream of the seven years of plenty and of famine, “The thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass” (Genesis 41:32).
Nothing in today’s headlines or in our personal experience is random or haphazard. The Most High rules in the affairs of men. Current events seem out of control, but history is His-story, and God is working out all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).
Don’t be discouraged!
The most trivial and the most important, the most likely and the most unlikely, circumstances are made to minister to the development of God’s purposes.
C. M. Mackintosh
Recommended Reading: Genesis 41:25-36
Read through the Bible in a Year: Joshua 23:1 - Judges 1:36; Judges 2:1 - 4:24