BEHIND THE SCENES
“Then it came about after these things, the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was furious with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. So he put them in confinement” Genesis 40:1-3.
There was a dispute going on in Pharaoh’s palace. The cupbearer was in charge of tasting the king’s wine to make sure it wasn’t poisoned while the baker was in charge of the king’s food. Now the two men did something to infuriate the king, so he threw them into prison. They ended up in the same place where Joseph was. You think its coincidence? Not exactly because there are no coincidences in the plans of God. He had been working behind the scenes, in the lives of these men Joseph had never met, to bring them together in the same place, so that Joseph could interpret their dreams. And it was this gift of interpreting dreams that took Joseph from the prison to the palace. The ugly situations of his life were used to display the power of God.
Friend, it may appear that nothing is happening in your difficult situation right now, but God's working behind the scenes, directing people and events to align with your purpose. If He has been at work behind the scenes in the past, with people like Joseph, we can trust Him to be at work in our lives as well, even if it is not always so obvious. Perhaps God is still working, in the lives of people you've never met, in a place you've never been, in order to accomplish His plan and purpose for you and for them. Even when you don’t feel like God is around, He has been deeply involved in your life since you were conceived in your mother's womb. Ps. 139:13-14. Yes, there are more than six billions people in the world today but God knows you personally. He created you uniquely; there is none else like you. You're not a statistic; your birth was not a mistake. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He knows all about you. You're created for a purpose. The events in your life, good and bad, God has used as opportunities to bring you to your purpose. Everything you go through has a reason.
"Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, “Please take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” 1 Samuel 9:3.
In the ancient times, donkeys were often used for commerce and transportation. They were so important to Saul's father that when some wandered away he sent Saul and a servant to find and bring them back. They went from place to place, unable to find the donkeys. Finally, Saul decide they should go back home. But the servant advised they go see a man of God first. 1 Samuel 9:6. When they arrived, they met Samuel who told them that the donkeys were safe and he would also tell Saul the next morning all that was in his heart. Samuel then informed Saul of his new calling to be the first King of Israel. You still think its a coincidence? Can you see the events God used to usher Saul to the throne? The lost donkeys became the instrument used to change his life.
What have you lost today? Are you experiencing a financial, business, ministerial or career loss? You have called out to God, and you feel that your prayers are unheard and unanswered. You feel abandoned, alone, and rejected by the very God who promised He would never leave or forsake you. But be of good cheer! Don't give up hope; its not over! God's still working behind the scenes. His ways are not our ways! No matter how ugly your situations are, God still has a plan.
"2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. 4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” Numbers 22:2-6.
Balak, the king of Moab, was desperately trying to stop the expansion of the children of Israel. He hired Balaam the prophet, to curse them. As Balaam prepared for the spiritual attack, the Israelites had no idea they were in danger. Yet God saved them! He delivered them from something they had no idea constituted a threat to their peace and existence. God was helping them, working behind the scenes even when they were not aware of His work. He used Balaam to bless the children of Israel, rather than to curse them. Though the people were not in a good relationship with God at this time. Yet, He protected them. 2 Timothy 2:13.
God cares for you, even in times you’re unaware. He’s always working on your behalf, often behind the scenes where you cannot see. You may be going through the valley of the shadow of death right now, but don't be afraid for God is with you. You can’t see Him, but He is there. God is working behind the scene turning things around for your good. Your story is not over.
BEHIND THE CURTAINS:
Every movie is composed of those whose work is seen by all: the actors and the supporting casts, as well as those whose work takes place behind the scenes and is seen by few: the directors, producers, stage managers, costume designers and many more others, who are never visible to the audience. Without these people working behind the scenes, the movie is never seen. To be behind the scenes is being out of public view. It is working privately without being acknowledged, known or seen by the audience. To be behind the scenes is working in secrecy or confidentially. God is a loving Father who works for us behind the scenes.
Just because you don’t see any instant change in your situation does not mean that nothing is happening, nor does it change the fact that God's at work. John 5:17. He's behind the scenes! He is producing, directing, and guiding situations and events for our purpose. God is the constant changer behind the changing scenes of our life. He reveal His works to us when the time is right.
THE LORD IS NOT SILENT:
God always answers prayers. But sometimes, He is silent. There are times we feel God’s visible presence in our day to day issues. Other times, though, it seems He has completely abandoned us.
These are times when it may seem like God is silent, distant, out of reach, out of 'prayer network coverage' and is sending our prayers to His voicemail. But God's at work and in His time, not ours, He will do that which He has promised. Today you might be waiting for a healing, breakthrough, or an answer to a prayer. But be rest assured, God hasn’t forgotten about you. When God's silent, He is waiting for a set time. He's getting everything ready to visit you. God will come through for you. He has a plan. Stay in faith and know that what is to come is better than what has been. Something beautiful is happening behind the scenes right now. God's working on your behalf. When the right time comes, you will see it come to pass. God's not silent! He is preparing something bigger than what you've been praying for.
WHAT TO DO WHILE GOD'S AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES?
1. Put God first in your life.
Putting God first is seeking Him daily! Develop a daily relationship with God. Set aside a consistent time every day to meet with God. Choose a time at which you're most alert and can block out distractions. Spend the first and last minutes of the day talking to Him. Start out with a half-hour quiet time, and after you've developed greater intimacy with God, increase the time.
2. To trust Him completely.
We must unconditionally trust and love God by removing conditions from your faith walk. He knows the best way to handle every situation in our life so we need to trust Him fully. We need to follow his path and trust that He knows the best for us. We must not doubt His plan, because He knows all and He has a perfect plan. Cast out worrying. It never solves problems! Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 55:22. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee." Isaiah 26:3. Have faith in God; raise your levels of expectation.
3 Be persistent in prayer.
Prayer doesn’t seem so pleasing when you don’t see immediate answers. Sometimes asking over and over for the same request seems pointless. It may be days, weeks, months, or years of asking for the same thing and no hope in sight. So we think that maybe we are doing something wrong or that God doesn’t hear. We may even question His goodness. But the truth is, God hears every prayer and He does answer us - in His way and in His timing. So persist in prayer. Luke 18:1. The word “persist” means “to stand, to continue steadfastly and firmly in the pursuit of any cause, to pursue, not receding from the purpose, not to give up or abandon.” Persistence demands patience. God never gives up on you, so don’t give up in prayer. Your miracle is on the way.
4. Be patient
God has an appointed time! Just because it has taken a long time doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up! No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming. This too shall pass! Every problem has an expiry date. Hold on to God in faith! As you hold on, you’ll see things begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grows and hope strengthen as you step into your season of testimonies.
5. Meditate on the Word.
To meditate is to reflect on the same thing over and over again, visualize it and let the meaning of it sink deep down into your heart. Joshua 1:8. Meditation is speaking God’s Word and promises with your mouth. Meditating on God’s Word will give you insights and wisdom that will guide you at every turn in your life. Dig deeply into the Word and feed on it daily.
6. A life of thanksgiving as you wait.
Every time you give genuine thanksgiving to God fresh oil for fresh impact comes on you. Psalm 89:20-24. Thanksgiving is the key to your victories. 2 Chronicles 20:22-24. Make it a habit to praise or thank God in everything, no matter the situation. Lazarus was still in the grave when Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41. If you're faithful in thanksgiving there will be a total turnaround.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28.
God has a purpose for you; don’t give up. Hold on to hope, faith and your dreams. Believe God for the fulfilment of them. He never fails. God's plan, ways, and timing are perfect. Stand on the Word. Believe it. You may have lost a battle, but you’re not going to lose the war. The season of your suffering shall soon come to an end. There is a new level of glory waiting for you. Your victory is on the way, and it’s closer than you think. Keep praying. Something better is coming. Release the past and the pain. You're going higher. Psalm 27:14. Stay focus. See the bigger pictures. God is faithful. He'll complete what He has started in you. Your story is not over. "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." Psalm 40:2.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father Lord, I thank You for Your unfailing promises, in Jesus name.
2. The Lord God is my Helper, I will not be afraid, in Jesus name.
3. O God, arise and intervene in my situation today, in Jesus name.
4. O Lord, help me to be patient as I wait for my testimonies, in Jesus name.
5. Thank God for answering my prayers.
