Read Genesis 40
Wrongful imprisonment must be terrible. But even worse would be false conviction stemming from righteous action. Writing today’s chapter, I was reminded of the Shawshank Redemption; A story about two imprisoned men finding solace and redemption in jail. Like Andy Dufresne, Shawshank’s main character, Joseph rapidly earns privileges while in jail. Both are wrongly convicted, and must contend with their certain resentment for the unfairness of their respective incarcerations. But where Defresne’s redemption is based on his own patience and wisdom, Joseph’s coming redemption stems from his almost-brazen assumption that God will deliver:

Joseph said, “Don’t interpretations come from God? Tell me the dreams.”

His reckless confidence lead to a perfect interpretation of the cupbearer and baker’s dreams. There’s no evidence Joseph had interpreted before - in fact his quote leads me to think he never had. But his certainty in God’s provisions is so great.

I wonder where my confidence is. Is it from myself, my past success or does it stem from a sense that God can perfectly deliver? (That, of course, presumes confidence which is a whole separate discussion.)

What Joseph did - assuming God would come through on something like interpreting a dream - could be characterized as foolish. But it would certainly be foolish to presume God’s ability suffer the same marginal cap as my own, and I think I’d prefer to fail in the face of possibility of success than in the face of sure doom.