Here are three tangible things that Joseph did to serve those God had placed around him.
He saw
“He saw that they were troubled” (Gen. 40:6). Joseph’s eyes were open to the people around him. These men were in prison, so they would not have been full of joy, even on their best days. But it was clear to Joseph there was something bothering them.
If you want to be useful in ministry, ask God to give you open eyes and a sensitive heart to the times people are troubled. If Joseph had merely plodded on with his daily duties, he would have missed a great opportunity.
He asked
“So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, ‘Why are your faces downcast today?’” (40:7). These men are in prison and Joseph asks them, “What’s bothering you today?” Something is going on that is more troubling than being confined in a prison. What can it possibly be? They had a profound sense God had spoken to them in a dream, but they did not know who He was or what He meant.
There are people close to you who are in the same position. Don’t ignore them. Care enough to ask.
He offered
“They said to him, ‘We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.’ And Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me’” (40:8). God gave Joseph a prophetic gift, by which he was able to interpret their dreams. So he offered to tell these men what God had said.
God has spoken His Word in the Scriptures, which He has entrusted to His people. This means all of God’s people are in a position to tell others what He has said.
Instead of becoming bitter, will you allow your pain to make you more sensitive to the pain of others, and more willing to share God’s heart with them?
