Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.

3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”

“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”

5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, 6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.” Genesis 47:1-6

Joseph did as he said he would, and so did his brothers. Like clockwork, the Pharoah also did what Joseph said he’d do.

As long as Joseph found favor with Pharoah, he could ask whatever he wanted and it would be granted. It’s a good place to be in when your boss trusts and respects you unquestionably. Joseph earned that trust and respect.

Most of the time that respect is earned over time. It doesn’t happen right away.

Still, everything we say and do is watched carefully whether we realize it or not. People also notice how we react (or don’t react) to adverse situations. If we’re living a life of faith, these actions will shine through instinctively. In other words, when we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing, we won’t have to pretend.