Sinabi ni Jose, “Ito ang kahulugan ng panaginip mo …” Natupad nga ang sinabi ni Jose sa dalawa, ngunit siya’y nakalimutan ng tagapangasiwa ng mga inumin … Pagkaraan ng dalawang taon, ang Faraon naman ang nanaginip.

Genesis 40:18, 22b–23; 41:1a

Have you ever fervently prayed for something, for months or even years, with nothing else but silence from God in response? If you have experienced it, or are currently going through it now, you are probably thinking, “What is taking God so long? He knows that I need Him to do something about my situation.” Sadly, some people go so far as doubting God’s care as they wonder, “Maybe He doesn’t care about me. After all, there are billions of people praying to Him. Why would He even notice me?”

For Joseph in the Old Testament, his waiting took two years. While in prison, tinulungan niya ang cupbearer and baker ng pharaoh by interpreting their dreams. All he asked from them in return was mentioned in Genesis 40:14 (ESV), “Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house.”

The cupbearer completely forgot about Joseph’s goodness to him when his position was restored. But two years later, when the pharaoh needed somebody to interpret his dreams, the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. It was God’s perfect timing. If the cupbearer mentioned Joseph two years earlier, the pharaoh would not need Joseph then. There was no reason to free Joseph, though innocent, from prison. When the time was right, the Lord made things happen. Joseph did not just help the pharaoh but helped a whole nation survive a famine.

If you are growing impatient because it is taking God so long in answering your prayer, remember Joseph. Do not doubt God’s goodness and wisdom in your period of waiting. He, who knows what is best, is asking you to keep on trusting.