Liminal space happens. Living in the in-between means that we can see where we have been, but the road ahead isn’t clear. We don’t know what’s coming next, and that can make us anxious and afraid.
No doubt Joseph felt similar emotions while living many years in prison (Genesis 39). He had no idea if or when he would get out. He was anxious and scared, worried for his future.
While in prison, Joseph uses the gifts God has given him to take care of his fellow inmates and interpret his cellmates’ dreams. Later, Pharaoh orders Joseph out of the dungeon to interpret his dream. Joseph tells Pharaoh to plan for a famine. Thanks to Joseph’s foresight and planning, Egypt survives the famine.
God calls us all to use our spiritual gifts even in liminal space. As God was with Joseph, God will be with us and show us steadfast love in our in-between times. Like with Joseph, God will continue to guide us and help us use the gifts God has given us to serve others.
This message is excerpted from “Learning from Genesis: Joseph and liminal space” by Becca Ehrlich in the March 2021 Cafe online magazine.
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