Trusting God With An Unfinished Story
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 42:1–20 and Psalm 115:9–18 (NIV)
(Desmond Yiong from Wesley Missions)
READ:
Genesis 42:18: “Joseph said to them… ‘I fear God.’”
Psalm 115:9: “…trust in the LORD. He is their help and shield.”
OBSERVE:
Years after Joseph was sold by his brothers, famine brought them unknowingly before him in Egypt. Joseph recognised them, but they did not recognise him. The past had returned, and the story remained unfinished.
Joseph did not immediately reveal himself or restore the relationship. Yet in dealing with the brothers who had wronged him, he declared, “I fear God.” His actions remained accountable to God.
As I turn my attention to Psalm 115, it calls me three times to “trust in the LORD,” followed by the assurance that “He is their (my) help and shield.” When circumstances and relationships remain unresolved, God remains trustworthy.
APPLY:
I have carried unresolved hurts in my own family life. There were painful events I could not undo and questions for which I wanted answers. My strong sense of siblinghood often made me feel that matters had to be resolved before I could move on. Yet trust had been broken.
I am beginning to learn that forgiveness does not mean denying what happened. There must be recognition that a real “debt” exists. Something has happened that caused hurt or wrong. If both parties do not acknowledge the same matter, meaningful reconciliation becomes difficult because we may not even be speaking about the same “debt.” But when the wrong is acknowledged, followed by repentance, and forgiveness is sought, I, as a Christian, am called to obey God: to forgive. Forgiveness, however, does not mean trust is immediately restored. It takes time to rebuild.
I can acknowledge the hurt and entrust the unfinished story to God. Like Joseph in Genesis 42, I may be living in a chapter before the ending is revealed. Psalm 115 reminds me that my security is not found in obtaining every answer, but in trusting the LORD, my help and shield.
DO:
I will remain open to reconciliation. When repentance comes, I will choose forgiveness. Where trust has been broken, I will allow time and actions to rebuild it. Meanwhile, I will entrust what remains unresolved to God and move forward without allowing the past to hold me.
PRAY:
Lord, You know my whole story. Help me to fear, obey, and trust You with what remains unresolved. Give me grace to forgive when forgiveness is sought, wisdom where trust must be rebuilt, and peace to entrust the unfinished chapters to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
