I overheard some kids in the neighbourhood praying—well, maybe playing. I noticed their prayers were mostly about God destroying their enemies. Some even said they wanted their enemies to have accidents. I laughed to myself, but their approach to prayer revealed a powerful truth: God doesn’t deal with your enemies the way you think He will.
Friend, God doesn’t settle scores by destroying the people who hurt you. He settles them by lifting you (Psalm 75:7). Wasting prayer on “may they perish” misses the point. How can He set a table before you in the presence of your enemies if there’s no one left to see it (Psalm 23:5)?
Joseph’s brothers didn’t need to starve for what they did. What mattered was that Joseph reached his destiny in spite of them (Genesis 50:20). The same brothers who sold him later bowed before him for food. When you walk in what He called you to, the people who wronged you see it (Romans 8:28).
When God says “Vengeance is mine,” He’s not dodging justice (Romans 12:19). He’s saying, “I handle this better than you can.” You can’t manage your enemies and your calling at the same time. God wants your focus on what He’s building in you, not on settling old debts (Isaiah 54:17).
Notice Joseph never cursed his brothers. He didn’t carry bitterness into Egypt. He thanked God, kept moving, and stayed faithful to his assignment (Hebrews 12:15). Every minute you spend rehearsing the hurt is a minute stolen from your purpose. Direct that energy where it grows you (Philippians 3:13-14).
On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Most of the harm we face comes from ignorance, immaturity, or plain human weakness. When you see it that way, the offence loses its power to shake you. You stop reacting and start walking free (Matthew 5:44).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria