Day 3: The Power Test

From Dream to Destiny by Robert Morris

So far, most of the tests we’ve studied have involved how we respond when bad things happen in our lives. But the Power Test is different. This test has to do with how we respond when something good happens. In other words, it’s the test of success and it’s the hardest test I’ve ever taken!

When you have power, you have to choose when and how to use it because your decisions can greatly affect multitudes of people. The Power Test requires a different kind of restraint, discipline, and responsibility than the other tests. Genesis 41 tells the story of Joseph taking this test.

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation. A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came about. I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.”

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

‭Genesis 41:9-16

Suddenly, Joseph was called from the dungeon to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. At that time, Joseph had been in Egypt for thirteen years. But things were about to change.

Pharaoh had heard that Joseph could interpret dreams. But Joseph refused to take the credit for his gift. Joseph said, “No, it is not in me to interpret dreams. It’s only God who can do it” (see Genesis 41:15–16). Joseph understood he needed to stay behind God. And because of Joseph’s humility, God trusted him with His power.

And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

‭Genesis 41:38-41

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

‭Psalm 62:11

Psalm 62:11 tells us power comes from God. He has given every person power in some area of their life, and every person is a leader to some degree. It’s what you do with the power and blessings of God that is the true test of your character.

Like so many of the other tests, this test is about stewardship. God is looking for people He can trust to steward His power. Power isn’t ours to own, and it can be taken away just as quickly as it is given.

The Bible tells us God gave power to Jesus when Jesus walked this earth. Acts 10:38 says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, [He] went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” What did Jesus do with that power? He went about doing good deeds. God gave Jesus power so He could do good – to heal people and set them free from the oppression of the devil.

Similarly, God did not give power to Joseph for Joseph’s sake. God gave Joseph power to feed the world during a severe famine! Power is not a bad thing. It’s a good thing, and it comes from God. God’s heart is always for people, so God’s power is always given to help people. That’s what power is for; God wants us to remember that.