Do you find it hard to "trust" God when someone intentionally lies in order to benefit themselves?
When these events of betrayal occur, it seems like our relationship with God becomes covered with a thick wall of frustration clouds. Often times this frustration leads to us losing confidence in our God. We find ourselves doubting His concern and His love for us.
So - what are we to do?
Just as God is always faithful -
we too, are to remain faithful
in - and through - the process!
Focus on this principle...
.."You intended to harm me, BUT God intended it for good."
Do you remember the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis? In the finally chapter, Genesis 50:15-21 we find encouraging words that can help us in this situation.
"When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."
Now, just imagine what would have happened if Joseph had allowed himself to grow bitter and angry at God and his family? This particular story would not have ended well. Instead, Joseph remained faithful through the process. Would you say Joseph turned a negative situation into a positive one? Absolutely!
Be encouraged today and know that....
Romans 8:28-39 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God has not abandoned you!
Quite the opposite........
God is working to accomplish His divine plan!
