Faithilistic versus Fatalistic (Featured Daily Devotion)

Day 11

Friday

Faithilistic versus Fatalistic

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

If you are on the streets of Paris, you might hear someone say, “C’est la vie!” If you are in other places you might hear the Spanish-sounding (but not grammatically accurate) phrase, “Que sera, sera!” Or if you are on the streets of Anytown, U.S.A., you might hear, “Whatever!” or “What are you ‘gonna do?” All these phrases express a fatalistic view of life.

The Bible suggests a much different way to view that happens in life, Joseph being a perfect example. He was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers and falsely imprisoned before finally rising to a position of great authority. He used his power to provide, decades later, a safe harbor for his father’s family who were fleeing a famine in Canaan. Only then did Joseph realize why God had sent him ahead of his family to Egypt: “to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 is the Old Testament version of Romans 8:28---the truth that God has a purpose in the things His children experience.

If you are in a hard place today, take a “faithilistic,” not a “fatalistic” view of your circumstances. God, not “life,” is in control.

Recommended Reading: Romans *:28-29

Quote

Let us learn to trust [God] for who He is.

Elisabeth Elliot

From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional

Turning Points