47 Days of Justice 2024 - Day 42: Becoming impatient while waiting for justice can lead to dark places.

“The next morning Pharaoh was very disturbed by the dreams. So he called for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. When Pharaoh told them his dreams, not one of them could tell him what they meant. Finally, the king’s chief cup-bearer spoke up. “Today I have been reminded of my failure,” he told Pharaoh. Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pharaoh.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41:8-9, 14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s interesting to watch animals as they stalk other animals, showing great restraint until the moment is right for them to pounce on the prey. You see, a poorly timed move, will allow the prey to escape.

We—as human beings—struggle with being patient. If something is in our mind to do, or there is something we desperately need (like justice), we want it now; yes, we must see it now. But remember, God‘s ways are perfect, He is very patient and He brings justice in His time. Consider this scripture:

“For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:30-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I will caution you with this observation: Satan is not impatient. Consider that when he had finished with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, he was not really finished at all, only waiting till a more opportune time.

“Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Tragically, sometimes our human propensity toward impatience, coupled with Satan’s ability to patiently wait for another opportunity to lead us into temptation, spell disaster for the impatient soul.

Now, not everyone reacts the same when coming to the point of believing that they will never see justice.

Some will despair to live and spend their days in grief and the bitterness of soul we have often addressed here.

Others, attempting to get even, become passive aggressive, exacting their own brand of “justice” by causing hurt where they can.

As well, there are those who, having given up on justice through the appropriate channels, set out to secure vigilante justice.

Having decided we have waited long enough for what we wanted, we are perfectly “groomed” to take Satan‘s bait. Let it not be so!

Although Joseph had requested that the cupbearer not forget him, the cupbearer HAD forgotten him for two years. Perhaps Joseph had even lost hope that the cupbearer would ever do the right thing.

In our opening scripture we see that—at the right time—the cupbearer does remember!

Suddenly, because of Joseph‘s faithfulness, he again stands before a powerful figure. Ultimately, his God-given gift has brought him here.

“A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Yes, the Lord had gifted Joseph with everything he was going to need to do what the Lord had sent him to do. That same gift has brought him before pharaoh, and will ultimately lead to him seeing justice. But, none of this may have been possible, had Joseph despaired after the cupbearer forgot all about him.

Joseph remained faithful, and now complete justice will be served. But that too will take a little longer.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim #47DaysOfJustice