God has many ways to strip us of our trust in man. Whether we see it or not, we sometimes—many times—have misplaced faith in man. We think man can help us. We believe man is the solution to our problems. Actually, our trust can be so misplaced that we trust in man more than or even in place of God. If you examine your life carefully, you may find that too much of your trust in man is the foundation of your life.
In Genesis 40, Joseph is learning the hard lesson of the futility of trusting man. While languishing in prison, even though he has some responsibilities there, Joseph meets the cup-bearer and baker of Pharoah. They had offended the king and were thrown into prison. Both men had troubling dreams that they brought to Joseph. God interpreted them through him. The chief baker would die. The chief cup-bearer would live and be released from prison. As Joseph interpreted the dream for the cup-bearer, he asked him to remember him. He was there unfairly. He committed no crime. Please tell Pharoah to hear my story and release me.
And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place. For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I’m here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it.” Genesis 40-14-15 (NLT)
When the chief cup-bearer was released, I’m sure Joseph was encouraged. Finally, my plight will be brought before the king. Finally someone will take my message directly to the one who can help me. Finally, I’ll be delivered. As soon as the Pharaoh heard my story, he would immediately see and fix the injustice. What relief he must have felt. What joy must have invaded his heart? Sleep was sweet that evening, and the next, and the next. But time passed, and nothing happened. Why the silence?
Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. Genesis 40:23 (NLT)
Those are bone-chilling words, aren’t they? Words that are so sad to read. The chief cup-bearer never gave him another thought. He was forgotten. He was neglected by the very one he had put too much hope in. More lonely years in prison awaited him.
The Bible makes it clear that our hope and trust belong to the Lord. The Lord’s arms are not so short that He can’t help us. The all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God of the universe knows your plight, knows your heart, and has an answer to your heart’s cry. When we put our trust in man, it’s misplaced. A man or a woman is not the solution to your problems. God is. Until you see this fully, God’s work in your life is to strip away every little bit of trust in man that you have. You cannot serve two masters.
You’ve trusted in man, and they haven’t given you another thought. What now? Humble yourself before God and ask Him to forgive you for trusting in the arm of man and not Him. Then take your cares and concerns to Him, knowing He cares for you, even as man has forgotten you. Listen, friend, you are not forgotten by God. He loves you, even in the prison with misplaced trust. God’s love is everlasting toward you!
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalms 20:7 (NKJV)
