“You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you” — Genesis 41:40

Each week in synagogue or at home, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Mikeitz, which means “at the end,” from Genesis 41:1–44:17.

Recently, I spoke with a friend going through an extremely difficult time, yet who still manages to go on with her life with remarkable faith and grace. When I mentioned how extraordinary I thought she was, she told me the secret to her resilience. She said, “Every day I tell myself that I just have to make it through this day, because tomorrow God can make everything better. I tell myself this every day and every day I believe it.”

Just knowing that God’s salvation is always possible and can come at any moment gives my friend — and us — the strength to keep on going until it does.

Always Hope for Salvation

In this week’s Torah portion, we read about God’s quick and miraculous salvation of Joseph from the depths of a prison cell where he sat abandoned and forgotten. Until that time, Joseph had endured a lot of hardship and had every reason to despair. He had been sold by his own brothers, falsely accused of seducing the wife of his owner, and wrongfully imprisoned indefinitely. There seemed to be no hope.

Then, one day, everything changed — and it changed quickly. Pharaoh’s cupbearer, who had been imprisoned with Joseph and knew of his dream-interpreting skills, suggested that Joseph be summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s recurring dreams. Joseph successfully explained the dreams, provided Pharaoh with wise counsel, and was subsequently appointed prime minister of Egypt. 

Wow! Only God could orchestrate such an amazing salvation! In just a few moments, Joseph transformed from the lowest and most despised of men to the most powerful and influential person in the ancient world. Before Joseph was called before Pharaoh, it was hard for him to imagine ever leaving prison. Yet, within hours, he was put in control of the greatest empire of his time.

There is a saying in Judaism that has accompanied the Jewish people through 2,000 years of exile and persecution: “God’s salvation can come in the blink of an eye.”

It doesn’t matter how bad things seem in the moment; complete salvation is always possible. When we know this, there is never reason to despair. Just as it did for Joseph, everything can turn around in just one moment.

Your turn: Joseph’s story is one of many inspiring stories in the Bible. Which biblical character lived a life that most encourages you? Share with us in the comments section below!