The Manifold Wisdom of God

By Pastor Juliana T Akinbami

This weekend, we embark on a journey of seeking divine wisdom on our growth path, with Joseph as our guide. I will be highlighting some key verses that demonstrate wisdom, and then we will pray. There are a total of six prayer points, which we will explore in two parts, concluding next week. I look forward to our continued exploration together.

Journey with me through Genesis Chapters 39 – 43. 

1. Divine Revelation and Spiritual Insight

In Genesis 37, the story of Joseph unfolds. While the chapter primarily narrates the events leading to Joseph’s enslavement, it also unveils key moments that underscore divine wisdom. Let’s delve into these demonstrations of divine wisdom, for they hold great significance in our spiritual journey.

 

Joseph’s Dreams (Genesis 37:5-11)

 

Verses 5-7: Joseph’s dreams about his future rulership were divine revelations, offering him insight into God’s plans for his life.
 
Verses 5-7: “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.'”

Verses 9-10: His second dream, showing his family bowing down to him, reinforced this message and provided further spiritual insight into his destiny.

Verses 9-10: “Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’ When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?'”

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Joseph’s dreams were not just dreams, but prophetic revelations of God’s future plans for him. Though initially not understood or accepted, these dreams were divine messages that guided Joseph’s journey and later played a crucial role in God’s plan to save his family and many others. 

Joseph’s Interpretation of Pharaoh’s Dreams (Genesis 41:15-16, 25-32)

  Verses 15-16: Joseph acknowledges that interpretations belong to God, demonstrating divine insight.
Verses 15-16: “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.'”

  Verses 25-32: He interprets Pharaoh’s dreams accurately, revealing God’s plan for Egypt’s future and showcasing his spiritual insight.
Verses 25-32: “Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years old, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterwards are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine. It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.’

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Joseph’s ability to accurately interpret Pharaoh’s dreams is a clear demonstration of divine wisdom. Joseph acknowledges that the interpretation comes from God, emphasizing his humility and reliance on divine insight.

Prayer Points for Divine Revelation and Spiritual Insight

  1. Prayer for Uncovering Divine Secrets
    • ScriptureProverbs 25:2
    • Heavenly Father, it is Your glory to conceal things and my glory to search it out. Lord, uncover divine secrets to me and let me experience Your wonders. Just as You provided Joseph with insight into the future, grant me an understanding of Your hidden truths in Jesus’ name.
  2. Prayer for Interpretation of Divine Messages
    • Scripture: Genesis 41:15-16
    • Lord, just as Joseph acknowledged that interpretations belong to You, I ask for the ability to understand and interpret Your divine messages. Grant me clarity and insight to discern Your voice and the courage to act upon Your revelations with faith and obedience. In Jesus’ name.
  3. Prayer for Divine Wisdom to Remain in God’s Perfect Will
    • Lord, grant me divine wisdom to remain in Your perfect will. Just as Joseph relied on Your insight to interpret dreams and navigate his circumstances, help me to seek Your wisdom in all our decisions. Teach me to listen to Your voice and follow Your guidance every day.
  4. Prayer for Knowledge of God’s Will
    • Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10
    • Father, fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. I pray that I may live a life worthy of You and please You in every way, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of You. Let my life be a reflection of Your divine purposes. In Jesus’ name.
  5. Prayer for Accurate Revelation of God’s Plans
    • Scripture: Genesis 41:25-32
    • Heavenly Father, I seek accurate revelation of Your plans for my life, and family. I ask for the wisdom to interpret the signs, trends, and seasons. May I be an instrument of Your wisdom, providing guidance and direction according to Your will. Grant me the wisdom to know what the signs are so that I know the steps to take for a secure future in Jesus’ name, amen.
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2. Practical Application of Wisdom in Daily Life

Joseph’s Service in Potiphar’s House (Genesis 39:2-6)

  • Verses 2-4: Joseph’s success and favour in managing Potiphar’s household show his practical application of wisdom in daily tasks.

Verses 2-4: “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”

  • Verses 5-6: His diligent work leads to blessings for Potiphar’s entire household, illustrating how divine wisdom manifests in everyday responsibilities.

Verses 5-6: “From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Joseph’s diligence and integrity, guided by divine wisdom, earned him success and favour in Potiphar’s house. The prosperity that Joseph brought to Potiphar’s household is a testament to the wisdom and blessing that come from the Lord’s presence.

Joseph’s Counsel on Managing the Famine (Genesis 41:33-36)

  • Verses 33-36: Joseph outlines a detailed and practical plan to store grain during the years of abundance to prepare for the years of famine, demonstrating his practical wisdom.

Verses 33-36: “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Joseph’s strategic plan to collect and store food during the seven years of abundance reflects divine wisdom in foresight, planning, and resource management. His counsel is practical and ensures the survival of Egypt during the forthcoming famine.

Prayer Points

  1. Prayer for Long-term Planning and Legacy
    • ScriptureGenesis 41:33-36
    • Father, grant me wisdom for long-term thinking and planning. Show me what I must do now to secure my future and legacy. Help me to be like Joseph, who wisely prepared Egypt for the years of famine, ensuring a prosperous future.
    • Father, guide me in strategic planning and management. Help me to develop practical plans that prepare me for future challenges, just as Joseph did during the years of abundance and famine. Let Your wisdom lead me in all my endeavours.
  2. Prayer for Access to Divine Wisdom
    • Scripture: James 1:5
    • Father, thank You for making Your wisdom available to me. Help me to seek and apply Your wisdom daily to carry out Your purposes and show forth Your glory. Let Your wisdom be evident in all my actions and decisions. In Jesus’ name amen. 
  3. Prayer for Humility and Grace
    • ScriptureJames 4:6
    • Father, I come before You in humility. Cleanse me of any trace of pride so that I may receive Your grace freely. As Joseph humbly served in Potiphar’s house and interpreted dreams in prison, help me to remain humble and open to Your guidance even as I am being promoted, in Jesus’ name, amen.
  4. Prayer for Practical Wisdom in Daily Responsibilities
    • Scripture: Genesis 39:2-6
    • Father, grant me the wisdom to manage my daily tasks with diligence and excellence, just as Joseph did. Let my work bring blessings to me and to those around me.  

3. Spiritual Growth (Humility, Grace) and Character
 

Joseph’s Refusal of Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:7-12)

  • Verses 7-9: Joseph’s refusal to sin against God and his master reflects his humility and integrity.

Verses 7-9: “And after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he refused. ‘With me in charge,’ he told her, ‘my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?'”

  • Verse 12: His decision to flee from temptation showcases his commitment to maintaining his character.
  • Verses 10-12: “And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.”

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Joseph’s refusal to sin against God and his master’s trust demonstrates divine wisdom in maintaining integrity and righteousness. His decision to flee from temptation, even at the cost of his own safety and reputation, shows a profound commitment to godly principles.

Joseph’s Handling of False Accusation (Genesis 39:19-20)

  • Verses 19-20: Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph maintains his integrity and trust in God, demonstrating spiritual growth through adversity.

Verses 19-20: “When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, ‘This is how your slave treated me,’ he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.”

Demonstration of Divine Wisdom: Although Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned, his wisdom in maintaining his innocence and integrity is evident. He did not retaliate or lose faith, trusting that God’s plan would ultimately prevail despite the immediate injustice he faced.

Prayer Points For Spiritual Growth (Humility, Grace) and Character
 

  1. Prayer for Wisdom and Hope Amid Challenges
    • Scripture: Proverbs 24:13-14 TPT
    • Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom and hope amid challenges, and enable me to overcome and thrive. Just as Joseph maintained his character and trust in You during his trials, help me to grow spiritually and remain steadfast in my faith. In the name of Jesus’ amen. 
  2. Prayer for Integrity and Righteousness
    • Scripture: Genesis 39:7-9
    • Lord, help me to maintain my integrity and righteousness in all situations. Give me the grace that I may not sin against You and uphold my commitment to godly principles, even when faced with temptation.
  3. Prayer for Strength to Flee Temptation
    • ScriptureGenesis 39:12
    • Father, give me the wisdom, strength and courage to flee from temptation. Let my commitment to maintaining a righteous character be unwavering, just as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife to preserve his purity and honour.
  4. Prayer for Trust in God’s Plan Amid Injustice
    • Scripture: Genesis 39:19-20
    • Lord, help me to trust in Your plan even in the face of injustice. I know that You are in control and will bring about Your purpose in my life. You are the righteous judge and I trust You to rule righteously in my favour. Grant me the wisdom to know how to behave even in the face of injustice. 

Watch completed. Thank god for today’s watch. Celebrate the wisdom You have received because You know that every prayer has been answered and God is filling you with wisdom for life and godliness. 

Please join us as we break bread on Friday, August 9th and affirm the things we have prayed for today. 

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Thank You for joining me and other Watchers to pray this weekend. May God’s wisdom continue to avail you in all circumstances, in Jesus’ name, amen. 

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I love you dearly,

Pastor Tee