“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:
Joseph had the opportunity to be bitter with his brothers and to avenge their cruel treatment meted to him several years earlier but held back because he put things in proper perspective. He saw everything he suffered through the eyes of God and responded that although they meant evil, God was at work through it all and turned it around for good.
God is at work when we go through tough times, preparing us to be medicine to someone in the same trouble later. He works through our disappointments and pain to build empathy in us for others. God allowed Joseph’s pain for Israel’s future sustenance; Job’s ordeal led to the blessing of his three friends. Moses lost everything in Egypt only to gain everything in Israel and become a great prophet, intercessor, and emancipator for the nation of Israel.
When Jesus hung on the cross, God was at work to redeem mankind from sin. He was at work while Paul was beaten, jailed, and shipwrecked. It led to the salvation of Gentiles. I once suffered heartbreak in a cherished courtship relationship. I was distraught because I envisaged marriage. However, God was at work. That experience made me a better man for my wife of over 21 years and a marriage and relationship counselor helping several relationships and marriages.
Life is not a bed of roses. Satan will buffet and beat us with his blows of hate, loss, setbacks, delays, disappointments, offense, etc. No matter what hard blow life deals you, know that God is at work. Don’t let the adverse winds of life crush you; God will bring you out and use you as a healing balm for someone who may get caught in turbulent and adverse winds tomorrow.
Joseph could not have seen what God was up to through his abandonment, betrayal, and pain, but God was at work. You may say, “So, he went through all that just to help others?” Yes, but notice that God also blessed him greatly. He could only be of help to his brethren because God blessed him. Yes, God is at work through your pain and will use it to help others; however, He has a good plan for you and has not forgotten you. You will come out better.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Psalm 30:11-12, Luke 22:31-32, and Romans 8:28
PRAYER:
+ Thank You, Lord, because You are at work in my life.
+ I declare that the painful events of my life will turn for my good and the deliverance of many.
+ Today, I receive beauty for ashes, gladness for pain, dancing for sorrow, and hope for despair.
