Genesis 50:19-20 (KJV)
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 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.
We serve a God who specializes in bringing good from evil, transforming the worst into the best, and creating meaning from meaninglessness. As Christians, we believe that even pain, suffering, and temptation can serve to accomplish good for our immediate and eternal benefit. Joseph’s brothers lived in fear of his revenge after their betrayal, yet Joseph chose to forgive them and encouraged them to seek divine forgiveness. He comforted them and spoke gently to alleviate their fears. While it is undeniable that their actions were evil, God sovereignly utilized their wrongdoing to fulfill His loving purposes. Joseph had every reason to harbor resentment towards his brothers for their heinous acts against him. He could have nurtured deep anger toward Potiphar’s wife for wrongfully accusing him or even contemplated revenge against the chief baker for abandoning him in prison. However, Joseph chose to rise above these injustices and trust God to carry out His plan for his life. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
In life’s journey, not every seemingly negative situation is as dire as it appears. For those called according to God’s purpose, who love Him and align with His will, every event ultimately contributes to our good. Our limited perspective can often lead us astray, but we must remain confident that God can extract something positive even from the actions of our adversaries. Ultimately, they may find themselves misguided while we emerge enriched by the experience. All things, whether seen as beneficial, inconsequential, or unpleasant, are intricately woven into God’s design for our ultimate well-being. God’s purpose for our lives was established long before the foundations of the world. Each experience and every person we encounter, whether good or bad, plays a significant role in realizing that divine purpose. Instead of fixating on how others may have disrupted our paths, we trust God’s plan. There is no need for doubt or fear regarding the detours we face; we can be assured that everything is unfolding for our highest good. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Although it may appear that external factors are controlling the course of our lives, leaving us uncertain about the outcome, we need not lose hope. By placing our trust in God, we can be confident that He is guiding our steps toward a favorable destination. Whatever circumstances God allows, whether good or bad, positive or negative, are ultimately for our benefit. This means that any delay we experience may not make sense right now, but in the end, we will understand that it is for our good. He makes all things beautiful in His Own Time. There is a season and a time for everything under the heavens.
Beloved, every trial, persecution, hindrance, limitation, wickedness, evil, sickness, and lack can be a stepping stone to God’s glorious and expected end to your life. So, never devalue any event in your life, for they are all for good. As the devil is scheming, God tampers with his plans. By the time his plans materialize, instead of working against you as designed, the devil will see them working for your good and in your favor. If the devil had known that crucifying Jesus would bring the glorious manifestation of God’s purpose for humanity through the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, he would not have tried it. Even in a bad situation, God can still work out something good. The all-loving and all-powerful God is firmly on your side, ensuring your victory. It’s not your job to understand the ways of God; instead, you can confidently trust in His goodness and sovereignty, knowing that He is orchestrating all things for the benefit of those who love Him. Only those who love God can be assured that everything works together for their good, especially those called according to His purpose. Therefore, ensure your love for God is sincere, for your life will never be the same, and your expectations are assured. Stay holy and in His will. Be thankful in all circumstances. Remember, God is working out His purpose for your life, and those who hate and love you are part of the plan.
O LORD, let all things work together for my good and according to Your plan and purpose in Jesus’ Name.