You Meant it for Evil, But God Meant it for Good

I find it very significant that the Spirit of God gave us more information about the life of Joseph than any other person in the book of Genesis. It appears He wanted us to study this man’s life to gain valuable insight. Joseph wasn’t perfect but he had great faith which was displayed in his attitude toward difficulties, and toward others. When these two qualities are integrated into your life, your impossible situations become challenges to face, not a reason to quit!

Joseph’s faith was tested in the very low places in life, and the very high, but I wonder if his greatest test was in the times of waiting. Our lives are made up of a few significant events (Marriage, buying a home, job…) but the vast majority of our lives are spent in the ordinary grind, and it’s in the everyday moments of life that our attitude is tested the most. We can go through the motions of coming to church on Sunday. Week after week we bring our Bible, sing the sons, talk the talk, and still hold a grudge against someone!

One of the highlights of Joseph’s life is when he reveals himself to his brothers. He looks them in the eyes and says, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).

That’s living life from the vertical perspective! That’s an attitude of surrender to God’s control. God was at work and Joseph recognized it.

There are two words in the Bible that stand out like neon in the dark, “But God.” Those two words change everything. They help us see things from His perspective. I don’t know how you’re doing with all this but I do know that we tend to remember the things that people said, the unfair treatment, and the rejection and pain. Joseph too felt a lot of pain but he was able to say to his brothers, “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” Are you able to say, “I can’t control all my circumstances, but I can control my response to my circumstances - so I can say with Joseph, “God meant it for good.” Press on,

Pastor Brian Richard