The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Genesis 40:23 (NIV)
On the verge of breakthrough, Joseph must have been bubbling with excitement. Finally, his wrongful imprisonment might end. Finally, he might be free. Finally, he might be able to pursue the vision for his life that God had given.
Except it didn’t happen. The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Letdown of letdowns, Joseph is stuck again––waiting.
Where is God in the waiting? Isn’t he there? Can’t he clearly see that all this waiting amounts to nothing? Can’t he clearly see that it is pointless?
Except it isn’t.
There is purpose in the waiting, and usually we don’t understand why. Those familiar with the story know why God kept Joseph in prison for two additional years, but Joseph didn’t know.
Keeping faith in in the waiting place feels exhausting yet proves essential in time. What was accomplished inwardly while waiting could not have grown otherwise, and its fruit is precious.
J. A. Syverson 