I recently went through a time of fasting and prayer for a situation in someone's life. At a point of desperation, seeking a miracle, I cried out to God, "Do whatever it takes, Lord. Whatever it takes! " As I uttered those words, I was unaware of what "whatever it takes" would look like, and I was ill-prepared for what came next.
A few nights after I asked God to do whatever it takes, I faced what was likely the most traumatic event of my entire life. I was left feeling broken, hurt, angry, and confused. What was going on? How could God allow this to happen? Did I do something to deserve this? Why didn't God protect me? I had many questions and zero answers. Then, a good friend reminded me, "You said, whatever it takes..." She was right. I did, and I meant it. This situation, despite how painful, changed many things. My prayers were answered, although at first I couldn't see the light through the darkness. God allowed my suffering as an answer to my prayer.
A few days ago, I was using my phone to listen to a message. I can't remember who was preaching, but one statement stuck with me, "God is always in control, but He doesn't always take control." Sometimes, God allows things to happen that we may feel are unjust. We have all been given the freedom to choose which path we will take. Some choose the path of darkness. When they come to a crossroads with the path of light, they are given the opportunity to change lanes or continue down the dark road. Unfortunately, we live in a self-seeking sinful world, and we don't get to control others' thoughts or actions. We don't get to choose which path they take. When crossing paths with those on the dark road, those walking in the light could get hurt. While it may be difficult to understand, it is in those moments we must fully seek, trust, and know that God has a purpose for allowing the pain and He has a plan for healing that will bring Him glory. He can bring beauty from ashes, if we allow Him to!
Consider all that Joseph went through. He was sold by his brothers, his own flesh and blood, into slavery because they were jealous of him. He worked his way up to a respectable position under Potiphar. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph chose the path of righteousness. She, however, made false accusations regarding Joseph's actions which resulted in him being thrown into prison. He helped a couple of guys who were in prison with him, but after their release, they quickly forgot about Joseph... Until one day... That day, Joseph was given the opportunity to interpret a dream for Pharaoh. Correctly interpreting Pharaoh's dream eventually led to Joseph becoming second-in-command of Egypt. Throughout his journey, Joseph never lost his faith because he knew that no matter what he faced, God was in control.
One day, Joseph's brothers came to him (not recognizing who he was) seeking help. Joseph had the opportunity to retaliate against his brothers for what they had done to him. Instead, he chose love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
Genesis 45:1-7
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Wow! What a testimony of faith! God was in control, but He did not take control and prevent Joseph's suffering. He allowed bad things to happen, knowing that in the end, the victory was His! God had great plans for Joseph. Suffering was part of the process of preparing Joseph for what was to come. Because Joseph kept the faith, God's plan was revealed, and his family was restored. It wasn't easy. When Joseph divulged his identity to his brothers, Joseph wept, and it was heard by many. That must have been an ugly cry filled with hurt and brokenness. Can you imagine?
We may not always understand the purpose of our pain, but if we trust God and keep the faith, we will see miracles happen and mountains moved.
I challenge you to take a second look at some of the difficult things you've faced or are currently facing. Seek to see how God worked, is working, or can work through those tough situations. God's got you!! Don't give up!!
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