Every Morning — September 3, 2026: Forgotten by a King… Remembered by God
Key Scripture
– Genesis 40:23—41:1 (NIV) “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: he was standing by the Nile…”
Devotional
or two years, Joseph was forgotten. We are not talking about two days here, not two weeks or even two months, but two whole years after Joseph helped Pharaoh's cupbearer. That same person forgot about him completely. That must have hurt a lot.
Before the cupbearer left prison, Joseph had made one heartfelt request: "But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison" (Genesis 40:14).
It was a simple request. Remember me. That's all. Can you imagine Joseph waking up every morning, hearing footsteps outside the prison, thinking, "Maybe today.”
Every sound must have given him hope and every sunset must have ended in disappointment. If we are honest, many of us know that feeling. You submitted applications, attended interviews, you started the business with faith.
You prayed fervently for healing. You believed this would be the year you would marry, conceive, graduate, relocate or finally find peace. Yet here you are… still waiting. Sometimes, the hardest part is not always the waiting. It is watching other people moving ahead while your own life seems to be standing still.
This can be very painful. Sometimes people even ask, "Anything yet?" and you are forced to smile because you don't know how to explain that you've been praying with all your heart. But there is a beautiful truth hidden in Joseph's story.
The Bible never said God forgot Joseph. It said the cupbearer forgot him. There is a world of difference in this. People forget. Employers forget. Friends forget and even family members sometimes.
But Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast…? Though she may forget, | will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
Think about that. While Joseph was counting days, God was arranging destinies. While Joseph was sitting in prison, God was preparing a palace. While Joseph thought nothing was happening, heaven was quietly moving every piece into place. Then, one ordinary night, Pharaoh had a dream. By the end of the day, Joseph had gone from prisoner to prime minister. Only God can write stories like that. Hallelujah!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God makes everything beautiful in His time, not necessarily in ours. And Romans 8:28 assures us that He is working in all things for the good of those who love Him.
So if today feels slow, don't measure God's faithfulness by your calendar. Measure it by His character. The God who remembered Noah in the flood, Hannah in her tears, and Joseph in prison has not misplaced your name. Your waiting is not proof of His absence.
It may simply be the place where He is preparing something bigger than you can presently imagine. Hold on. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep trusting.
The God who writes the final chapter has never abandoned a story halfway through.
Prayer
Father, when waiting becomes heavy, help me to remember that You have not forgotten me. Strengthen my heart when hope grows weak, and teach me to trust Your perfect timing above my own. Keep me faithful while You prepare what You have promised. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Dig Deeper
Genesis 37, Genesis 39, Genesis 40-41, Isaiah 49:15-16 Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 8:28
Reading Plan
Today's Reading – Genesis 40-41, Psalm 40, Lamentations 3
Today's Thought
People may forget your name, but God has never forgotten your purpose.
From Every Morning — September 2026 by Margaret Nwakaego Usio.