Let God Bless You Out of Your Bitterness

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Matthew 6:33)

Have you ever read the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, about how his brothers sold him into slavery, which resulted in him being wrongfully imprisoned for thirteen years?  When Joseph saw his brothers again many years later, he then had the power and authority to put them to death because of what they had done to him. Instead, he told them something incredible.  He told them not to be worried or afraid (Genesis 45).  Even more amazing was that Joseph didn’t blame them and told them that God had actually ordained what they had done in order to bring salvation and deliverance to them (Genesis 45:5-8)!  And then he blessed them for it (Genesis 45:10-11)!  That’s quite astonishing after all they had put him through.

How was Joseph able to so freely forgive?  He was able to do so because somewhere during his sufferings, he came to the revelation that it wasn’t about all the wrongs that had been done to him.  It was about all the rights that God could do!  Joseph didn’t focus on the labels placed upon him (i.e. slave, rapist, liar, prisoner, etc.).  Instead, he focused on the goodness of God and the belief that God would make everything right.  In other words, Joseph had faith God would make it up to him for every unjust sorrow he endured.  

Joseph also no longer looked at his brothers or his Egyptian captors to make amends for or to heal his wounds.  He solely looked to God, and God saw Joseph’s heart and literally blessed him out of his bitterness.  That is why, when Joseph saw his brothers again, he was no longer hostile or angry.  In fact, he was tearfully joyful, and he gave his abusers comfort and compassion.

If you have suffered much and labels have been placed upon you, I want to encourage you.  Rather than entertaining thoughts of revenge or vindication on those who have victimized and wounded you, to instead, think and meditate upon the amazing things God will do for you to make it right.  When we don’t see our destiny and the greatness of God, we can stay stuck in our wounds.  Our God is bigger than that.  He can, and He will rescue us, but first, we must choose to let go and to forgive.  Give it all to Jesus. 

Will you pray this healing prayer with me?

“Heavenly Father, I give to You today every hurt, wound, every bitter thought, all resentment and anger toward those who hurt me.  I expectantly look to You to catapult me into my destiny, a destiny that You prepared for me before You created me.  I look forward to becoming a leader and great influencer of my generation like Joseph for Your glory, and I look for Your reconciliation and Your faithfulness in making all my wrongs right.  Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Victory and blessing awaits you!

Credit