When You Feel Forgotten

Pharaoh’s cup-bearer, however, promptly forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. Genesis 40:23

Joseph was the secret of the royal cup-bearer’s success. The cup-bearer had offended Pharaoh, who sent him to prison—the same prison where Joseph was incarcerated. While there, the cup-bearer had a dream, which Joseph interpreted for him: The dream meant the cup-bearer would be restored to his former position. That dream came true.

Without Joseph, the cup-bearer probably would have remained confined to prison, lost in self-pity. But because of Joseph’s insight, his hope was restored. When he received another opportunity to serve the Pharaoh, his countenance was cheerful and his performance superb. Without Joseph’s prophecy, he probably would have remained hopeless.

But the cup-bearer forgot about Joseph. He didn’t just overlook Joseph or forget to reward or recognize him; he completely forgot about him. Not one thought of Joseph ever crossed his mind again.

Joseph deserved to be remembered. But the cup-bearer forgot him, and it would be a couple of years before opportunity would come Joseph’s way.

Bitterness or betterment—those were Joseph’s choices. He could dwell on the forgetfulness of the cup-bearer and foster bitterness, or he could continue building the character that had seen him through to this point.

When was the last time you were forgotten? Did you fail to get the credit you believed you deserved? Did someone else get the rewards you worked hard to earn? Your reaction to such a slight makes all the difference. If you take matters into your own hands, God may leave you to reap your own rewards. But put your future in God’s hands, and he will give you his reward in his time.

Lord, help me not to focus on the times I have been forgotten or slighted, and give me the courage to wait for your reward.