Who We Are, Who We Are Not - The Wesleyan Church

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?” (Gen. 50:19)

When I was younger, I thought I had to be the one that made everything equal. I would get upset if teams weren’t fair, if someone wronged another without punishment, or if one of my siblings was treated better than another. As I’ve grown and matured, I’ve found a lot of comfort knowing that I do not have to be the one who settles everything in the universe. That is actually God’s job.

While letting God do his job takes surrender and humility, it is the most freeing way to live. Looking at the life of Joseph, we see this reality in full color. Joseph had the motive and the means to take revenge on his brothers. However, he knew that God was both just and merciful, and Joseph trusted God to guide his way. Joseph did not try to take God’s place. He knew who he was called to be, and he knew who he wasn’t called to be.

If you’re like me, that is both challenging and freeing at the same time. Admitting we do not have all the answers and that we’re not in full control is difficult. Surrendering the situations of life to God is often not easy or comfortable. However, that is where the peace of God has a chance to grow in us. Joseph lived in that peace and we can too.

Remember who you are and who you are not.

Joel J. Gorveatte deeply loves Jesus, his wife, and the church. He serves as the worship and next steps pastor at Journey [Wesleyan] Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.