Intended For Good

[Joseph said,] “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

Genesis 50:20

JOSEPH SPOKE THESE words to his brothers after Jacob, their father, died. The brothers greatly feared Joseph would take revenge for selling him into slavery when he was a youngster. He used these words to reassure them.

But for us, the story and words of Joseph reveal a tremendous truth and promise of God.

Joseph went through hard times. A slave. A prisoner. In all of it, though, God led him. Ultimately, he became the prime minister of the greatest nation on earth at that time. Undoubtedly he asked God many questions as he went along. These words reveal Joseph’s understanding of his plight. He could see the plan God had all along—to use him to save lives, not only among the Egyptians but also in his own family.

Have you faced difficult, distressing, and even unfair situations? Do you wonder why God has let you go through them? Hold on tight to your faith in God. He has a plan and a purpose. Others may plan evil against you, but if you’re righteous and God allows it to happen, that means he will use it to bring something positive out of it. God promises that he will work everything in our lives together for our good (see Romans 8:28).