Thrown Down But Not Defeated

There is absolutely NOTHING in this world that could ever separate us from God’s everlasting love for us. People, even those we love the most, and blindsided circumstances, will attempt to kill our joy and dreams. But God’s plans and purpose for those tough and unimaginable moments of heartache are what bring us closer to our destiny.

“Life is tough, but so are you!”

During difficult and challenging seasons of my life, I am reminded of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph was thrown down multiple times by various individuals in his life. He endured some very tough seasons and circumstances. Joseph was mistreated and rejected by his family. Their hurtful words and actions bruised Joseph.His brothers went as far as planning to kill him but instead sold him into slavery. Later, Joseph becomes Potiphar’s personal attendant and is accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife. Can you imagine how Joseph felt after being falsely accused, criticized and judged by others? (I encourage you to read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37:1-36 & Genesis 39-50:26)Joseph was put in prison for something he did not do. While in prison, God was with Joseph and showed him His faithful love. God even favored Joseph with the head guard of the prison. Although Joseph was thrown down several times, God remained close to him and was paving the way for Joseph’s destiny.

God is with you even when it seems like He’s forgotten you.

His love for you is present even in the darkest of times in your life. You simply have to CHOOSE to seek Him out and accept His presence despite what’s going on around you.His favor is over you. You may not notice it yet. Through His everlasting love and presence, God remains close to you and is working behind the scenes. Behind the scenes of chaos, unfairness, and rejection on your behalf.Like Joseph, maybe you’ve been falsely accused of something. Maybe you have been punished for doing the right thing, or maybe your own family and loved ones have discouraged you from pursuing your dreams. No matter what you’ve been through, or currently going through, God is with you just like He was with Joseph.

And when God is with us, success eventually follows!

Life can be unfair sometimes, but God is ALWAYS fair. He surely has a plan for every unfair experience you’ve gone through.Despite the heartache and unfortunate circumstances Joseph endured, his perseverance and intimacy with the Lord is what got him to his destiny. Joseph became the ruler of the Egyptians and the deliverer of his nation. However, he would have never arrived at his destiny without having an intimate relationship with God.

Related Post: Thanking God For My Past And Trusting Him For The Future

It is of the utmost importance for us to learn to draw near to God when we have been thrown down by our circumstances. If we don’t, we will surely feel defeated and hopeless. Having an intimate relationship with God makes a huge difference between getting back up from being thrown down or choosing to remain thrown down and feeling defeated.

Likewise, it’s important we don’t misinterpret the times we’ve been thrown down with being defeated.

God is not just the God of the good in the world. He providentially controls all things, even the good, the bad and the ugly. He allows good and bad things in our life to fulfill His purpose and sovereign will for us. No matter where you find yourself in life, God is always there, waiting to intervene.Rather than paving the way straight ahead, God paves it in a crooked manner to fulfill his plans for our lives. He tears down and builds up. God strategically plans our destiny in a way we can’t comprehend and our only option is to trust him with it.

Genesis 50:20 (NLT) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

People, through the work of the devil, will hurt us and cause us pain. Rather than fulfilling a negative purpose, God uses the bad motives and intentions of people to fulfill his purpose in our lives. He brings hope to others.While Joseph was enduring his difficult season, he never questioned God or complained about his unfair circumstances. He simply trusted the Lord. Rather than asking why and focusing on the negativity of our situation, we can choose to seek out the good. To view our circumstances from God’s perspective.

Rather than dwelling on the offense or offender, fight your way through it.

Focus on what God is trying to do in you or teach you.

Proverbs 16:4 (NIV) “The Lord works out everything to its proper end-even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

I believe God can use the negative things and people in our life to bring us into our destiny. That’s the wonder and mystery of God. It’s through the unexpected and uncomfortable circumstances that God uses to speak to us and move us closer to our destiny.

God wants you and I to remember His faithfulness and sovereignty, especially when we are thrown down and when we begin to feel discouraged.

He wants us to look past our circumstances so we can look forward to future times with hope and expectation, while embracing our current situation.I hope you learn to draw near to God rather than away from Him when difficult or challenging times rise against you. I hope you develop a strong and intimate relationship with God that no matter what life brings, you can be confident in God’s providence over your life.Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen us to go deeper with you and develop an intimacy that no circumstance or negative feeling can break. Remind us that although we may feel defeated, we are not and you are simply working behind the scenes of every let down and disappointment to bring us closer to our destiny. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.P.S. God is looking out for you. I encourage you to listen to Deeper by Meredith Andrews.References:Evans, T. (2017). Detours: the unpredictable path to your destiny: lessons from Joseph. Nashville, TN: LifeWay Press.