A Prayer for Good Purpose in the Place God Has You - Your Daily Prayer - October 30

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A Prayer for Good Purpose in the Place God Has You
By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:19-20)

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I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be. And I was sure to share that sentiment with everyone who asked about my recovery progress as the big day grew closer. At four months out from my scoliosis surgery and one month before my son’s wedding, I knew my physical ability would be an issue come this blessed event. I was once sure I’d spend dancing the night away in joyful celebration. Now, all I was sure of was that I had deceived myself. And I wondered what good could possibly come from my new reality—my circumstances that quickly became doused in disappointment.

Let me ask, how do you feel about where you are right now? Are you in a set of circumstances you didn’t see coming? Or in the midst of a situation that makes you wonder how in the world it could serve you, or anyone, well. I have felt this a lot lately. Though the truth is, I know, deep down, that God has a good purpose in all things. I also know I need to remember this more often.

As God would so kindly have it, I recently reread a familiar Bible story from a fresh perspective, which prompted me to write down a specific verse so I could see it daily in plain sight. A reminder, I knew I needed to embrace the entire season of preparing for my son’s wedding while still recovering. It was a long stretch when I struggled to live in the peace that God really did have good plans and a purpose for the exact place he had me.

The story was of Joseph in Genesis. Chapter 20, verses 19 and 20 in particular. After the extensive suffering, chaos, and surely confusion Joseph endured of being left for dead and sold into slavery by his brothers, living for years as a prisoner and slave, being set up and falsely accused, and so much more, he had every right to question God’s goodness. Joseph had every reason to doubt God and wonder why he would allow him to go through so much. Joseph could’ve and should’ve been furious with his brothers for their horrible treatment. His brothers, who would, years later, plead with Joseph to forgive them, fearing his judgment and revenge. Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” When Joseph said, “Am I in the place of God?” he acknowledged God’s purposeful placement of exactly where he had been. And right where he was. He acknowledged God’s provision, care, and control regardless of the pain. He understood that no matter what he had been through, or how he got there, God had a good plan for it all. He knew he was always in God's place. He was right where God wanted him in the pit, in prison, and in the moment he reunited with his brothers. Through it all, Joseph had a Godly perspective and so much more peace in the process because of it. And what a long process it was.

I also experienced more of this peace the past few months as I held tight to these words I had written down. Am I in the place of God? The answer was, yes. The answer is still yes, and it always will be. I was, in fact, able to dance at my son’s wedding last week. Maybe not exactly with the freedom I’d hoped, but it was such a special day, blessed in every way by our good God. And though I don’t know why God has allowed my discomfort and disappointment, the delay in my recovery, or any of my struggles. And though I may not have necessarily chosen this exact path. I do know, whether it’s for my good now or later, or someone else’s good now or later, it is all for good. I am always in the place of God. You are always in the place of God. And that is so good. Now and forever.

Let’s Pray

Lord God, You are the author of all good things. And everything you are doing in my life is leading toward your good and perfect plan. But the truth is, it doesn’t always seem good in the moment. So often, my current circumstances feel really uncomfortable, and I can’t imagine how they could be purposeful. But your word promises and reveals that you have a great purpose, no matter where you have me. And that means this very moment, in my very situation—just as it is. Help me trust you in this season. Help me see your goodness and light in the shadows of life. I know you never stop shining in and through each of my days, and I praise you for that. Lord, You are so faithful, so good, and I love You so much. In Jesus name, Amen.

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If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at kerieichberger.com or Instagram.

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