Joseph sat in Pharaoh’s prison feeling forgotten by those who had promised to remember him for his help. Have you ever been there? Not in prison, although that may make for a more interesting testimony, but in a place where you have heard someone’s promise or commitment to you only for it to seem they have forgotten you?

“Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” Genesis 40:23

How do you handle such situations? How you answer this question is crucial to your success and your testimony. Even though it might have been the promise or word of someone else, it is often your reaction that others see.

So what should your response be? The key is found in Joseph’s life nearly two years later. After finally being remembered and having interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, Pharaoh makes a statement about Joseph that is very revealing. He declares, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Gen. 41:38). Your response in every feeling–be filled with the Spirit of God.

Our feelings drive how we respond. Some times those feelings can lead us to poor choices, which can ultimately lead us down the wrong path. Being filled with the Holy Spirit places the Lord in control of our feelings and actions. Joseph was not merely filled with the Spirit at the moment of his encounter with Pharaoh. He was filled with the Spirit when he was cast into the pit, when he was in charge of Potiphar’s house, when he was accused of rape, and when he was forgotten in prison. In every situation he responded properly because of the Spirit that was in him.

Being filled with the Spirit is the key to properly responding. I know how it feels to be forgotten, whether intentionally or not, it hurts. Feelings that say you are not important or you do not matter can easily bring you down. When those feelings speak so loudly, allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for you before the throne of God. Let Him speak words of comfort to your soul. Hear Him say the words of the Father: “I will never leave you for forsake you.”

It is hard to deal with our natural feelings. As a matter of fact we cannot do so naturally and expect them to change or to be handled properly. These natural feelings have to be dealt with supernaturally. Let the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit work in you to prepare you for a greater moment.

Intentionally His,

Pastor Jason