"Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘Pharaoh's dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do. ‘The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. ‘The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven thin ears scorched by the east wind will be seven years of famine. ‘It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do’" Genesis 41:25-28.

Pharaoh, the great ruler of ancient Egypt, in the time of Joseph, was given a dream by God, which revealed the future, and the needed preparations. Joseph was divinely inspired to interpret this important dream.

We read of instances in which God revealed the immediate future to His people so that they might prepare. For example, in Acts 11:27-29 we read of a prophet named Agabus, to whom it was revealed that a famine was to come. We read that the church prepared and responded by sending relief in advance to those who were impacted. We also note that the Church at Smyrna was told in advance by Christ of coming persecution, and encouraged not to fear what was about to come (Revelation 2:10).

There are many indications that we are entering a time of great change and upheaval. These are certainly not business as usual times, but rather times to be cautious and wise as we consider what is coming. God desires that His people calmly prepare, and be ready to comfort, encourage, and help others who are unprepared and victimized by such times.

Challenging times are times of increased opportunity for the gospel. Daniel 11:33 states that "those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many." Even though possibly referring to a time already past, it stands as a principle concerning the increased opportunity the people of God have amidst the most difficult times.

Personal comfort and life's luxuries are gifts from God, but far more beneficial are opportunities in difficult times to advance the gospel. May we be prepared and ready to stand strong in our faith, and hold out the gospel to those who will eagerly seek it in such times.

Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/

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