Are You Being Forgotten By Someone?

One reality of life is we only remember people when we need something from them. I know it's sad, but it's true. Perhaps, this is part of human nature.

We try to reconnect with someone when we are deeply in need or desperate for help. But when life is smooth, and we think we can live independently, we forget some people who have helped us in the past.

The Ugly Truth

In life, there are certain things you may forget sooner or later. They say someone will love you as much as they can use you. This ugly truth can happen to anyone.

The story of Joseph in the Bible is an excellent example of this sad reality. Let me share with you the story. Joseph was falsely accused of raping Potiphar's wife, so he was sent to prison.

While at the prison, he met two other prisoners, the cupbearer, and the chief baker. They were at the jail because they had offended Pharaoh.

They both had dreams, but no one could interpret the meaning of their dreams. Joseph asked them to tell him their dreams and reassured both the cupbearer and the baker that God was entirely in control.

A Request to Remember Him

With help from God, Joseph interpreted the meaning. We know the rest of the story. The interpretation of the cupbearer's dream was in favor of him. So, Joseph told him the good news that he would be out of prison and restored to his job in Pharaoh's court.

In return, Joseph appealed to the cupbearer to remember him, show kindness, and mention him to Pharaoh. After all, he was innocent.

After hearing the good news, the cupbearer probably said, "Okay. Don't worry, Joseph. I will tell the king and help you get out of this nasty place. You don't deserve to be here."

Remember the People who have Helped You

Joseph believed he deserved compassion and kindness. Sadly, the chief cupbearer forgot Joseph. For the first few weeks or so, maybe Joseph watched his cell door expectantly, just waiting for the warden to come to fetch him. Surely the cupbearer would not forget him.

As I have been writing this, I have found it beneficial – and challenging – to look back on my own life and think about the people who have significantly influenced me for good.

What about you? Who are the people who have made a positive difference in your life? Are they your parents, teachers, and mentors? Whoever they are, don't forget them. Remember and show gratitude to the people who have done good things for you.

The Chief Cupbearer Forgot Joseph

Unfortunately, the cupbearer forgot Joseph. Genesis chapter 40 ends with three devastating words: “he forgot him.” The cupbearer didn’t visit him at all. He didn't even call. Instead, he let Joseph suffer in jail. The cupbearer has no sense of obligation to return a favor owed to someone.

I am sure it deeply hurts Joseph. The pain of being forgotten by someone can crush your spirit. The cupbearer’s lack of compassionate kindness kept Joseph essentially dead for two more years. But when, in Genesis 41, the cupbearer at long last remembers Joseph after two whole years!

After two years, he remembered him when Pharaoh had a dream. Why? Because no one could interpret the plan, and Joseph was the only one who could help them.

The Lord was still with Joseph

The cupbearer forgot Joseph, but the Lord has never forgotten him. But here's the critical fact of life: people may fail us, but there is God in heaven who always hears our prayers. So even though Joseph was in prison, the Lord was still with him.

Now, let me ask you: Has someone forgotten you? Maybe your parents or close friends? Do you think they don't care about your current condition? Have you been abused by people who are supposed to love you?

Remember this: people may fail you, but God always remembers you even when you’re in the darkest moment of your life. If you think someone has entirely forgotten you, God cares for you.

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. - Isaiah 49:15, ESV