Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” Genesis 50:19
Sitting in a place of authority is the desire of many. People want to be able to have complete control over situations. In this position, one can correct others without any questions being asked or pushed. Demands can be made of others, and no one can stop it. Other people will fear and obey those who are able to lead with an iron fist in complete authority.
After Israel had died, Joseph’s brothers were afraid of him. Joseph told them that they did not need to be afraid because he was not in the place of God.
Dictators and tyrants of this world are feared by the people because of their absolute power and authority. People must obey whatever they say or pay a heavy price. These types of people can be found at all levels of life, from the small family to the largest nations.
Acting in this way, these dictators put themselves in the place of God. They feel as if they are the ones who are in absolute control and can call all the shots. Vengeance for wrongs done against them occurs with no stopping.
There are some inside the church that will act in this same way. They will take on what is supposed to be God’s job, without His direction, and make themselves out to be God. Vengeance will be taken out upon others when it is supposed to be God’s job to pour out vengeance.
Every person will have others who have done wrong to them. As this occurs, believers are to let go of the wrong, forgive the wrong and allow God to take care of it. The wrong done may be God using it to move the believer to a needed position.
You will have times when people will treat you very badly, including family. When that occurs, you will have a choice as to how you will react. You can put yourself in God’s place and seek vengeance, or you can trust God to deal with it and use it. Give the situation to God and allow Him to use it to build you up and build His kingdom through you. Do not put yourself in the place of God, but remain humble and true to Him.
Today, I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that you will allow God to rule in your life, that you will allow God to use bad situations in your life for His glory, and that you will see God at work in every situation in your life.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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