The Man With The Plan

"And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine." The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?" (Genesis 41:33-38)

Every door has a knob. Every window has a latch. Every situation has a plan. Most individuals who enjoy success aren’t blessed with luck, but rather an insight to create opportunity where others see obstacle and opposition. Some call it working a plan. I call it planning a work. Plans don’t come out of thin air. You can’t buy, barter or beg a plan. The plans that innovate, instigate and initiate change emerge only after long hours, much sweat, deep thought and great price.

What do you think Joseph did all those years in prison? How do you think he filled his mind? You don’t just stroll up to the Pharoah, discern a dream and pronounce a plan (especially one of this depth and detail). Some will say God revealed the plan on the fly. That’s true. God can do that. But it’s also possible, even probable, that God had been revealing the plan to Joseph for weeks, months or even years.

Joseph was a caretaker for both Potiphar and the prison captain. He administrated, delegated and proportioned resources. Surely he oversaw food distribution to other inmates and had experience in meal rations. We don’t know the size of this Egyptian prison but it’s somewhat certain Joseph led a team of some type. He certainly, as Potiphar’s top servant guided the work of a staff.

No, Joseph was an opportunist. He didn’t know where life was leading but he wasn’t waiting for it to happen either. He was planning to work—whether it was a slave or sentry, pauper or prince. It's why Joseph was ready when he saw the knob. He was prepared to unlatch the window of opportunity. He was ready for the question as he had been dwelling on the answer for God only knows how long.

So how about you? Are you standing at the door waiting for someone to open it? Are you praying for a window to a new life chapter? What's holding you back, up or out? Whatever it is, don’t work a plan. Just plan to work. God will fill in the dream. All you have to do is be ready to dig.

You see, doors and windows are everywhere, but it’s the knobs and latches that truly hold the keys.


NOTABLE QUOTABLES ON OPPORTUNITY:

“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” (Demosthenes)

“There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity.” (Douglas MacArthur)

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” (Helen Keller)

“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” (Thomas Edison)


Father, I thank You for the doors and windows of opportunity. I only seek Your Wisdom to unlock and open the Dream You are building for my life. May I never miss Your leading because of blindness, callousness or selfishness. Amen.