Genesis 50:19-21 … “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.” vs. 20
Joseph’s brothers had initially intended to kill him, but at the last minute sold him into slavery, and then lied to their father, saying wild beasts had taken their beloved younger brother. After Jacob’s death, they conjure up one more lie, saying that their father’s dying wish was for Joseph to forgive his abusing brothers. And it works! Joseph forgives them, but more than that, says that through God’s mercy, their evil intentions had turned out for good for everyone involved. We should not conclude however that sometimes God intentionally allows evil to touch our lives in order to accomplish good things. Rather, this story illustrates what Paul was writing about in Romans 8, “All things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to his purpose.” Sometimes the worst times of our lives, the moments of total despair, turn out to be turning points and produce incredible fruit. Many of us in looking back can attest to the ways in which God has turned stumbling stones into corner stones; the worst days have actually prepared the way for the best. Again, God doesn’t cause the bad stuff to happen–those things come our way on their own, without divine intervention. But when ugliness comes we should not be surprised at the beauty that is just around the corner!
Thought for the Day: Evil that turned out for good in my life.
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