When God says “NO”

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

—Genesis 50:20

So many of us have a redemptive story. One where we KNOW it had to be God. God in the driver seat, God overseeing, God with the final say so. And God with the save. People said no; people said maybe later—but never fell through; or the road traveled was just a mess and tragedy to experience, but eventually you overcame. That’s my FAVORITE story (maybe minus the difficulties and disruptions). That was Joseph’s story. As I considered the journey he had to endure, I realized that the “no’s” ultimately given, were allowed or from God. Ouch!

What do we do when God says “no?”

How do we “respond in faith?”

How do we pray a “prayer of faith?”

God heal ________.

God save ________.

God help _________.

God restore _______.

God lead _________.

God fix ___________.

NO.

When the One who is able to, does not show up how we expected or desire, we must choose to hold on to our faith in the pain and lowliness; we must decide to continue the predestined and purposed road less traveled; we must continue to see the good of God even when we see the grave of the grail (thing earnestly sought after; valuable thing you search for or pursue). Easier said than done, I know. 

I think about the wisdom Joseph displayed when he spoke this verse to his brothers. And the faith Joseph had to keep in God when he was forgotten and mistreated; and God appeared silent in his suffering. How did Joseph remain hopeful with a lack of evidence? His confidence in God? The miracles in the midst of the muddle? Staying connected to the ultimate source for spiritual nourishment and enlightenment? Though his human suffering was inevitable, so was the GOOD of God. 

And that is my hope. That the good of God outweighs and outlasts the evil intended to steal, kill, and destroy. The latter is for a moment or time, but the former is FOREVER. We are loved despite our loss or lack. We are precious to God, whether we go through the fire or deep waters. We are heirs of God, do not allow anyone or anything to define your worth. Don’t despair—your destiny has been defined by the Divine. 

God’s peace, power, and love.❤️

@jzsnapz