Psalms 105:19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character ( NLT).
The opening text is about Joseph. The previous verses before verse 19 is about his ordeal. I need not go into details about his story because it is a popular bible story even children can narrate. There is something I want you to learn from his life.
The trials of Joseph had God's hands in it though the vehicle were his brothers. What his brothers meant for evil, God turned it around for good to bring to fulfilment what he had in plan for him. Joseph said: "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" (Gen 50:20 NLT).
I want you to examine Joseph's attitude. It was never recorded that he prayed against his brothers. He acknowledged that God used their evil intention to fullfill his dreams. Don't tell me God cannot do that again. God can still turn evil intentions around for good.
What kind of prayer do you think Joseph was praying during his ordeal? Even though there is no known prayer recorded but I am sure he wasn't asking God to kill his brothers as some of us could have done. Probably, the tone of his prayers was: Lord, let your will be done in my life. That's a better way to pray.
Contemporary believers of today in his shoes may have asked for the rain of sulphur and brimstone to fall on their enemies, whereas, some enemies are allowed in our lives as vehicles that will transport us to destiny.
If Joseph had prayed away his brothers and released divine brutality on them, he may not get to his place of destiny. Why? Because they were part of the script It is mysterious how God uses what appears to be unfavourable to us to fulfill his will in our lives.
Sometimes, when you are faced with difficult situations mediated by wicked people, having prayed and fasted without getting result, simply ask the Lord's will to be done through what seems unfavourable. God can use wicked people as vehicles to fulfill his plan in your life.
Sometimes, you need opposition. God permits them to facilitate certain processes. Sometimes, you need people who will bad mouth you so you can be announced to the world. The more they talk about you, the more you are announced. God will use them to do free advertorials for you. Why pray that such people die? If you have divine insight into why God permits such, you will always thank him and ask that his will be done.
Not all prayers should be imprecatory. Simply ask that God's will be done. That's how mature believers pray.