Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” emphasizing living with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Scriptures for today:
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Ecc 3:1 ERV)
There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time
(Genesis 50:20,21 NKJV)
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.
21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
So, what does this mean for you today? A few things:
1. The Tension Between Justice and Forgiveness.
In the story of Joseph, we see a deep tension between justice and forgiveness. Joseph’s brothers committed a grave injustice against him by stripping him of his garment (a gift from their father), throwing him into a pit, contemplating killing him, and ultimately choosing to sell him into slavery, which led to years of suffering and hardship. By human standards, Joseph had every right to seek justice and revenge against his brothers when he finally gained power in Egypt. However, Joseph chose a higher path and a greater calling. Joseph understood that while justice is justified, forgiveness is life-changing.
Joseph’s response to his brothers illustrates the divine balance between justice and forgiveness. He recognized the wrongdoing but chose to forgive, understanding that God’s plan was greater. Joseph’s forgiveness didn’t negate the need for justice; rather, it demonstrated that true justice, in God’s eyes, often involves mercy and reconciliation. This balance reflects the heart of God, who is both just and merciful. Our God is the God of justice and recompense, while at the same time, He is also the God of grace and mercy.
How this applies to you:
— Understand that while justice is important, and holding people accountable and responsible is often the right thing to do, just know that God may lead you to choose mercy and forgiveness over justice and punishment.
— It takes a mature believer to accept God’s instructions and obey them when He is leading us to forgive and bless those who did us wrong.
— Forgiveness is essential for our spiritual growth and freedom. True forgiveness is a sign of maturity in Christ.
— Embrace forgiveness as a way to release yourself from the bondage of bitterness and anger. Forgiveness frees you!
— While you may have inclinations to repay evil with evil, my prayer is that you mature to the point where you can deal with the tension between justice and forgiveness and ultimately choose grace. This shows you have developed the heart of God.
— Realize that forgiveness can coexist with a desire for justice, but if God is leading you to forgive, then forgive you must. Let God deal with the rest.
2. Forgiveness Releases You.
Joseph had every right to be angry and seek revenge, but he chose to forgive his brothers. Not only did he forgive them when he was reunited with them after 22 long years. But 17 years after that, when their father died, the brothers thought Joseph would execute revenge then as if he was only being kind to them because of their father. No, they did not realize that what Joseph was doing was showing the heart of his Heavenly Father. Joseph received the dream when he was 17 years old. He was reunited with his family when he was 39. 17 years later, their father died. So, Joseph was 56 years old when he said, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” It takes time to build up the type of perspective and maturity that gets you to the point where you can say what Joseph said.
How this applies to you:
— Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you. When you forgive, you free yourself from the chains of bitterness and open the door for God’s blessings and the future He planned for you.
— Release past hurts and offenses, knowing that forgiveness sets you free.
— Embrace forgiveness as a pathway to experiencing God’s peace and joy in your life.
— Understand that forgiveness aligns you with God’s purpose and His plan for your life. Part of the reason why Joseph was so blessed is because He chose not to hold on to the pain of his past.
— Trust that God’s blessings flow when you choose to forgive others. Bitterness and unforgiveness are Blessing-Blockers.
— Reflect God’s love by forgiving those who have wronged you, just as He forgives you.
3. God’s Grace Covers You.
Just like Joseph, you may face unjust situations, but God’s grace is always at work. His favor surrounds you, and He will elevate you despite the circumstances. In every step of Joseph’s journey, despite the wrongs done to him over and over, God’s grace covered him. Grace is always enough!
How this applies to you:
— Embrace the grace given to you. Let it overflow to others by forgiving those who have wronged you. Remember, recipients of grace should be extenders of grace.
— Extend the same grace to others that God has generously given to you.
— Recognize that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge you face.
— Let God’s grace empower you to forgive and release others from their wrongs.
— Live with the confidence that God’s grace covers and sustains you in every situation, even in challenging times and even when it is clear that people went out of their way to hurt you. You have the grace for it!
4. Trust in God’s Justice.
God’s justice is perfect. While we may want immediate retribution, God’s timing and ways are higher. Trust that He will right every wrong. We don’t have to get them back. If God wants them to reap a bad harvest on the bad seed, then He will see to it. We don’t need to be involved. So, let go of the desire to play God. Release your right to seek revenge and trust that God will handle it. His justice is better than anything we can conceive.
How this applies to you:
— Rest in the assurance that God’s justice is perfect and His timing is impeccable.
— Release any desire for revenge, knowing that God will handle every wrong done to you.
— Trust that God’s way of dealing with injustice is far greater than human effort.
— Focus on living righteously and let God take care of those who wrong you, knowing that He may ultimately forgive them, and that is okay because He forgave you.
— Find peace in knowing that God’s justice will prevail in His perfect time, and His justice may wind up being mercy, and you have to be okay with that.
5. Forgiveness is Key to Overcoming Evil.
Joseph’s life is a testament to the power of forgiveness. Despite his brothers’ evil intentions, Joseph forgave them and saw God’s greater plan at work. Holding onto bitterness only hinders us, but forgiveness aligns us with God’s purpose and opens the door for His best to manifest.
How this applies to you:
— Let go of past hurts and forgive those who have wronged you.
— Recognize that forgiveness is a required step toward both personal freedom and spiritual maturity.
— Understand that God can use even the wrongs committed against you for His greater plan and your good.
— Trust that by forgiving others, you allow God to heal your heart and restore your joy.
— Forgiveness is a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace working through you; it demonstrates the love of God.
— As a believer, you don’t overcome evil with evil. You overcome evil with good!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, You are my sovereign King and reigning Lord! No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I stand strong, knowing Your justice prevails.
I forgive those who have wronged me, releasing all bitterness and embracing Your peace.
Your grace covers me, empowering me to live free and victorious.
I trust in Your perfect plan and timing, knowing You will right every wrong in the way You choose to address it. I leave that to You!
With fixed purpose, I set my gaze on Your path, ignoring life’s distractions.
I declare Your blessings flow as I choose to forgive, reflecting Your heart and becoming a conduit of Your love.
GREATER IS COMING FOR ME as I release the desire for revenge and trust in Your superior justice.
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
