Many times in the past, I have tried to “pray away” the very things God was using to take me to the next level. Though God knew what He was doing, I just could not see the bigger picture. I could not understand what God was doing, and I surely could not understand why He was allowing me to endure turmoil, hurt, and pain.
I’m reminded of my favorite Bible story- the life of Joseph. This story is packed with many lessons we can use for every day life.
In short, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery because they were consumed with jealousy for him. The brothers THOUGHT this would stop the plan God had for Joseph’s life; however, they were wrong.
[This is the perfect time to insert this- THERE IS NOT A DEVIL IN HELL WHO CAN STOP GOD’s PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE. THEY CAN TRY, BUT WHEN GOD IS FOR YOU, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO IS AGAINST YOU.]
Anyway, as I was saying, they betrayed their blood brother by selling him into slavery. The text did not state this, but I am sure Joseph prayed. His prayer probably was something similar to this, “Lord, please stop my brothers from betraying me and selling me into slavery.”
Like me, back in July of 2021 when I found myself in a situation where I was betrayed, Joseph could not see the bigger pictures of WHY God was allowing his brothers to throw him away, Joseph could only see the now, and the now hurt…it was heartbreaking…it was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. See, God knew He would use this malicious act of the brothers to elevate Joseph for a greater purpose.
After years of captivity, watch this plot twist- Joseph eventually became King and He had to save the very people who betrayed him from famine.
Wow, right?
Just think, if God had answered the prayer of stopping the betrayal, it would’ve kept Joseph from his destiny!
There are certain things that HAVE TO HAPPEN! It is necessary for God’s plan to come forth. Yes, sometimes, it requires us to go through seasons of hurt and pain, but God’s plan is always greater.
I’m also reminded of Jesus’ crucifixion. In that moment, Jesus prayed, “Lord, if you are willing, take this cup of suffering from me. Yet, I want Your will to be done.”
Jesus, too, wanted to “pray away” his season of suffering, but on the same token, Jesus understood that everything His father does or allows, His father has plans to bring good from it.
If you are in a season of suffering, TRUST IT. Instead of trying to “pray it away”, ask God for strength to endure. Ask Him to help you trust what He has allowed. Ask Him for sight beyond what you currently see and feel.
Though you cannot see it now, “something” greater is being birthed. Just like a mom has to endure contractions and labor pain before her “greater” is birthed, you, too, have to do the same.
Stay the course! You can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength. As long as you continue to persist in FAITH, God will not let you fail. It will not be all for nothing! There is PURPOSE IN YOUR PAIN.
Like God did for Joseph and me, He, too, will elevate you.
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor…”
1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
