This Is Bigger Than You

That betrayal is bigger than you! There’s a chance it has nothing to even do with you. Yet here we sit pining over the betrayal that broke us. Thinking of all the reasons why they would have chosen us. How could God have allowed this to happen to us? We didn’t go looking for trouble. Yet, here’s your reminder that there’s a chance it’s bigger than you.

Let’s look at the story of Joseph in the bible. Joseph was one of the youngest boys in his family. So naturally, it’s the job of his big brothers to take care of him. Joseph tells them about the dreams he’s been having. Big dreams, bright dreams, dreams that make him better than they are. Sadly, it’s because of this that they target him instead. Remember when we asked why because we didn't go looking for trouble? Are we too naïve to see the red flags? Were we too confident to find the traps? Were we hoping for the best because we just wanted it so badly? There’s a chance Joseph didn’t know what he was doing but then there’s also a chance he did. If he did, then he didn’t realize the consequences that it would cost him. Either way Joseph told them. Either way we took that step forward. But we can’t sit here and beat ourselves about it because once again it’s not about us. It’s bigger than us.

So now we’re here where his big brothers have decided to kill him, but then change their minds and instead sell him into slavery. This was the beginning of his path towards Egypt. The Egypt that was where his destiny was to be fulfilled. If they didn’t sell them, could he have still gotten there? Would God have just found another way if he had kept his dreams to himself? This is where overthinking is taking place. God sees the whole picture. God understands the best path. God knows what works and what doesn’t. All we can do is trust, because it’s bigger than us.

It’s on this path towards Egypt that Joseph learned and grew and practiced his gift of dream telling. He got to work under people who made big decisions. No matter what trouble he was in or wherever he found himself, the Bible says the favor of God was over him. This means that no matter what, God was still with him. God was still taking care of him. God didn’t leave him in that prison by himself. God still made sure he was treated well. As well as he could be.

You took steps towards your path to Egypt without knowing. That betrayal may have officially put you on the right path. It may not have looked or felt like it but God was still with you. His favor was still upon you and it still is. Maybe you’re still in the beginning of your path to Egypt or maybe you’re halfway there. However, once you start to see or realize that that betrayal was for a bigger purpose, everything changes.

The moment Joseph realized it, he had all the opportunity to turn his brothers away and deny them any food. Instead, he hesitated to tell them who he was. He still had healing to do, yes. He still missed his family, yes. He still felt like that little boy who they sold. But no matter what he realized that this was bigger than him. He turned and told them so.

“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.”

Genesis 50:20 NLT

That’s how you know he realized this is bigger than him. There was no time to ask why because that was not important. There was a plan and that plan saved many lives. So it’s not about questioning them. It was not about getting revenge on them. It’s not about making sure they felt the same pain he felt. Instead Joseph took another route.

“No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”

Genesis 50:21 NLT

So today, I challenge you. What is your Egypt? What are you destined to do? Because God doesn’t allow this trouble to come upon you unless there is something really big in your future. In the same way, the devil does not come to attack you or derail you unless there’s something really big in your future. You have an Egypt, you have lives to save.

Your wilderness season will be the time your gift is awakened. A gift that will be pruned. A talent that will be sprouted. Wisdom that will be bestowed. Guidance that will be given. There is something in you that the hardship of betrayal starts like a match to the side of a box when it rubs hard and a flame suddenly bursts. That is what happened to you. And now God is fanning that flame, however uncomfortable it is to continue to grow into this full blown fire that you will now take with you to save many lives. 

So once again, let me remind you that betrayal was not about you. It was never about you. It was about your Egypt. So no more pining, no more needing closure for why they did this to you. No overthinking what happened in or the steps you could’ve taken to avoid it. Please open your eyes to the bigger picture and see that there is something that is beginning inside of you and it is now time to step into it.

Don’t diminish it. Don’t say you’re too broken for it. Do not deny it. The story of Joseph is an example to all of us. Every single one of us has felt this deep betrayal. Understand that you are included, and it’s time to begin.