Taking Opportunities (Genesis 47:6,17)

 

6. ...And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock

17. So they gave their livestock to Joseph in exchange for food.  Soon all the horses, flocks, herds, and donkeys of Egypt were in Pharaoh's possession.  But at least they were able to purchase food for that year. (Genesis 47:6,17)

  Pharaoh dreamed a dream.  Joseph through a chain of events was now in the land of Egypt.  Joseph interpreted it as meaning seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine.   Presently, the predicted seven years of famine had arrived which drew foreigners to Egypt for food.  With time, the Israelites who were the complete family of Jacob were through God's plan in Egypt.  They were shepherds.  Shepherds were a despised trade among the Egyptians.  Fortunately, for the Israelites not despised enough to be enable them to offer some service to the Pharaoh in exchange for his generosity.  Here was an opportunity to grow some business.  They just had been hired by Pharaoh to look after his livestock.  The Egyptian population had given up their livestock to the Pharaoh under Joseph's supervision in exchange for more food.  The Israelites had finally come to the point of helping Pharaoh and the Egyptians.  But this 'help' became a blessing for opportunity for them.  Unfortunately, many people in this world have a closed mind and like to criticize those who have taken opportunities to help others even in time of disasters or pandemic.  Let's be supportive instead and appreciative of those businesses who help in this pandemic by providing masks and other equipment.  The world needs those people because the rest of us are unwilling or unable.  Let's all take these opportunities that I believe come from God, voluntarily or for profit to help people.  Let's even go further than that and find out what we can do to help others during those difficult times.  Opportunities will come to you if you believe...Take them now and get out of that armchair.