But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day to save many people alive. – Genesis 50:20
REFERENCE
Genesis 50:15-21
Sometimes when bad things happen to us, or when we go through tough times, God doesn’t allow us waste the pain we experienced during such trying periods; rather He uses the experience to prepare us for a bigger purpose ahead.
Problems don’t just come for problems’ sake, when God allows problems in our lives; it is because He has people in mind, whose deliverance are tied to the lessons we learn and the experience we gain through our storms (II Corinthians 1:4-5). Joseph’s season of difficulties was for the sake of Israel’s future sustenance in famine, and although, Moses lost the riches of Egypt’s monarchy to become a sheep minder in the deserts of Midian, the experience would qualify him to be Israel’s deliverer from years of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 2:15-17).
Furthermore, Jesus our Savior went through intense suffering to redeem the whole of creation from sin and Satan’s influence; and, Apostle Paul passed through countless hardships in order to affect the whole New Testament Church.
Ruth’s bereavement and displacement put her at a great disadvantage, who would have known that God was orchestrating events in her life to make her a desirable wife to Boaz. David’s contentions with bears and lions in the bush strengthened his hands for war and trained his fingers for battle; he became Israel’s greatest king till date.
Our trials today are not different; they come for a purpose – for the deliverance, comfort, counseling and encouragement of others. They become our qualification to help others know God’s ways, His love, His plans, His faithfulness and consistency. We must serve God in the good and the not-so-good times. We must show that we are good soldiers of the Lord that endure hardships; by our actions we must show that we believe that, though weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Psalm 30:11-12, Luke 22:31-32 & II Corinthians 1:4-5
PRAYER
Lord I thank you this day for making all things turn around for my good. Even what the enemy meant for evil has been turned for my favor. So I say, “For all you have done for me, I sing hallelujah to You.”
My halleluyah belongs to you Lord!
All things are working together for good on my behalf in Jesus’ name.