By God’s grace, terrible things can have positive outcomes. Romans 8:28 says “God causes all things to work together for good….” God is sovereign—He is the Ruler and King of the universe. He fashions the worst things into good.
More than twenty years after they sold him into slavery, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. “But they could not answer him because they were terrified” Genesis 45:3. They were thinking ‘it can’t be him, but if it is, he’s going to kill us.’ Joseph anticipated their fears:
“Don’t be worried or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because GOD SENT ME ahead of you to preserve life…. GOD SENT ME ahead of you to establish a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore, IT WAS NOT YOU WHO SENT ME HERE, BUT GOD” Gen. 45:5-8.
This is not passive voice, right? Joseph says: GOD DID THIS. “GOD SENT ME… GOD SENT ME… IT WAS NOT YOU.” Joseph KNOWS this was God’s plan. He KNOWS God wanted him in Egypt, in Potiphar’s house, and even in prison. He KNOWS it was not just his brothers being cruel (though they were). Joseph says “GOD DID IT.” After Jacob died years later, Joseph had to say it again:
“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? YOU MEANT IT FOR EVIL, BUT GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, to bring about the present result—the salvation of many people” Gen. 50:19-20.
Never be so focused on your problems that you can’t see that God might be doing something amazing. Forgive people who hurt you—and beg God to show you the GOOD he will do through those hurts.
God, give us forgiveness and gratitude in the face of problems. Show us your amazing grace to bring good out of pain. Give us wisdom and hearts like Joseph, so we can truly forgive and see your hand at work.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 