One dimension of divine help is that God can position a person ahead of your need before you even know you will need that person. Help does not always come as money, opportunity or an open door. Sometimes, help comes as a person with access, influence or a voice in the right place.
Joseph’s story in Genesis 41:1–14 gives us a deep insight into access as a dimension of God’s help. Joseph was in prison and seemingly forgotten, yet God had already positioned someone there who had access to Pharaoh. The chief cupbearer was not merely another prisoner. He was a man connected to the palace. Scripture does not tell us the details of the offence that brought him there. It simply says that Pharaoh was angry with his servants. Yet, when we consider the bigger picture, his presence in that prison became part of God’s arrangement for Joseph’s journey.
Joseph interpreted the cupbearer’s dream, and when Pharaoh later had a troubling dream, the cupbearer remembered Joseph. In that moment, he became the connection between the prison and the palace. Joseph did not know Pharaoh personally, neither could he walk into the palace and present himself. He needed someone with access to speak of him where he could not speak for himself.
This is one of the practical ways God works through people. Sometimes, the distance between where you are and where you ought to be is not a lack of ability, but a lack of access. You may have the skill, experience, idea, product or calling, yet someone may need to mention your name in a room you cannot enter.
The cupbearer effectively presented Joseph’s credentials before Pharaoh. He testified that Joseph had accurately interpreted dreams in prison. In modern terms, he gave Joseph a strong recommendation before Joseph ever appeared before Pharaoh. By the time Joseph was called, someone had already testified concerning what he could do.
This is why one important relationship can sometimes accomplish what a crowd cannot. You do not always need hundreds of people to know you. You may only need one person who recognises what you carry, understands your value and has access to the right place. Do not underestimate divine relationships. Joseph had the gift, but the cupbearer provided the connection. Joseph carried what Pharaoh needed, but someone had to bridge the gap.
Therefore, when you pray for open doors, pray also for divine connections. When you pray for opportunity, pray for favour with the right people. When you pray for advancement, pray that God will position men and women ahead of you who will recognise your value and speak well of you.
Sometimes, the link between where you are and where God is taking you is a person He has already positioned on the road ahead.
