This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine (Genesis 41:36 NIV).
God gave Joseph knowledge about the coming famine and the specific number of years it would last. He was also given wisdom to plan for the famine ahead.
On the other hand, we may not know when a famine in our lives would come. But from the life of Joseph, God has given us a lesson of practical wisdom.
The first lesson is to store away a part during seasons of plenty. Many people do not know how to manage plenty. They spend as much as they want and as often as they want.
There are times when such people are seen to waste their plenty and even end their lives in debt. So it is wisdom given to us to store away a small but significant portion for years of famine, should they come.
The second lesson is that what is stored away is to be held in reserve. Plan and live in such a way that this reserve is not touched during seasons of plenty.
If at all due to some unexpected situation the reserve is touched, at the first chance possible restore to the reserve what was taken. Never run on what is stored as reserve during years of plenty.
The third lesson is that there should be a suitable plan made to store away the reserve. Lack of planning can spoil the process of storing.
This process should be carefully monitored and kept track of. At any point of time, it should be easy for you to know what you have in reserve.
Finally, know that this reserve is to be used when the famine comes. During that time also planning and careful spending is required for its careful and full utilization.
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