But God: When Divine Intervention Transforms Our Lives

I love the two words “But God,” because when God intervenes, all hell can come against you and not stop the blessings and the purpose for which God has put you on the earth. I love how God uses real life to illustrate important concepts: like the process He uses to turn victim to victor, injured to comforter.

A Birthday Story

Today is my husband’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Todd! He hates his birthday, and he always has. I just never understood why he would hate his birthday when most other people love to celebrate the date of their birth. He never understood either, until now…. We don’t have to wonder any more. My mother-in-law (who moved in with us three years ago when she could no longer care for herself) solved that mystery a few minutes ago.

But God: Confronting Painful Memories and Unusual Traditions

She asked me this morning what kind of mood my husband was in, because she had gotten him a birthday card. (Did I mention he hates his birthday?) I told her he was in a good mood this morning when he left for work. She laughed and then proceeded to give me all the explanation I would ever need for why my husband does not like his birthday.

She said, “You know when he was little I would always wake him up with a scream on his birthday.”

I looked at her—I’m sure my face showed shock, disgust, and horror—and I said, “That is really demented.”

In my head, I was thinking, “Good Lord, who does that???? That is psychotic.”

She explained, “I read an article in Reader’s Digest about a woman who did that, and that’s where I got the idea.” A case of monkey see, monkey do?

“Well, there’s no wonder he doesn’t like his birthday,” I said matter-of-factly as I continued with my chores, taking out the trash for tomorrow’s pick-up.

Excuses

Later, when I walked back into the kitchen, she added, “Well, I thought it was cute. I stopped doing it when he went to school.” Hmmm—was she afraid social services would find out? I guess she didn’t like that I wasn’t amused by her antics. Defensively, she added, “He used to laugh at it.”

A little sarcasm slipped out on my part, but I carried on with my tasks. After taking the fruit and vegetable scraps out to our compost, she suddenly got a very serious expression—as if about to impart life’s deepest, darkest secret—and said, “You do know, he almost killed me when he was born. That’s back when they put you to sleep during childbirth.”

I responded, “Huh, they never put my mother to sleep during any of her births. It is still very demented and traumatizing to scream at a child on their birthday.”

I mean, seriously—WHO DOES THAT? Who intentionally traumatizes a child on their birthday? Why would someone want to emulate something so deranged that they had read in a ridiculous magazine article?

More Justifications

Oh, but yes, she explained further—using her carefully chosen words to excuse her actions. Like a typical narcissist, she never takes responsibility for her actions, always finding an excuse for why it wasn’t her fault and why the blame should rest on someone else. I’m quite sure she did not intend to disclose the real reason for her actions.

Note that she did not say, “I almost died in childbirth.”
No, she said, “He almost killed me when he was born.”

It is illogical to believe that her newborn baby was to blame for a difficult childbirth that almost cost her life. Yet there it is. Sometimes, we humans do not think rationally or logically. And when you add a dose or two of mental illness, you’re in for one illogical roller coaster ride.

It makes me wonder if this is the root source of the animosity she exhibits toward my husband and the passive-aggressive way she has treated him his whole life. I can’t determine whether it has worsened as she is forced to depend on him in her old age, or if she just has more opportunity for it to come out now that she has moved in with us. Maybe it is both.

Biblical Insights on Suffering and Redemption: Victim to Victor

One thing is certain—you will always reap what you sow. This reminds me of what Joseph said after his father sent his brothers to Egypt, to buy food during the famine many years after they had sold their younger brother into slavery:

Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
All those years in slavery, in prison, betrayed by his own family—Joseph could have allowed anger and bitterness to build up in him, but he didn’t. He forgave. He trusted God. His heart was not hardened toward his brothers who had once wanted to kill him.

Then Joseph continued in Genesis 50:21, “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.” He comforted them and spoke kindly.

But God: From Victim to Victor in the Face of Adversity

Wow! Isn’t that just like God? The injured became the comforter. BUT GOD…I love when God steps in and changes things. God molded the injured into the comforter. It makes me wonder if this is similar to what God is doing for my husband. You see, we are followers of the Way demonstrated by Yeshua as He walked the Earth and taught. We are not victims; God has made us victors.

What the enemy uses to try to destroy you, God turns around and uses to strengthen and grow you—positioning you to be a vessel for His use. He transforms your position from victim to victor. Don’t let what someone does to you define you. Hold tight to what is right. Be righteousness, be victorious, and let God fight the battle for you.

Embracing Abundance Amidst Life’s Challenges

I am reminded of the beloved Psalm 23, verse 5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

God will prepare a table for you. He will anoint your head with oil. God will fill your cup to overflowing right in the very presence of those who wish you ill, who despise you without cause. But God…when He intervenes, the enemy can’t do a thing to harm you, because what they intend for evil, God will use to bless you. Can I get an amen?

Remembering Our True Identity

Don’t forget who you are, but most importantly, don’t forget whose you are.

If you want a deeper understanding of the Most-High God’s laws, I highly recommend The Moses Scroll by Ross K Nichols. You can learn about the Father’s laws and their profound connection to developing a true heart knowledge of YHVH. Nichols offers what many believe to be the oldest version of the Ten commandments. The enlightening revelations in the Moses Scroll can transform your spiritual journey. For more insightful reflections and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other articles! Cream Cheese Made Healthier with Silken Tofu Health Benefits of the Daniel Fast: A Biblical Diet Explained Beet and Bean Burger(Opens in a new browser tab) Yeshua: Not Abolishing the Law but Magnifying It