◄ What Does Genesis 50:20 Mean? ►

As far as you're concerned, you were planning evil against me, but God intended it for good, planning to bring about the present result so that many people would be preserved alive.

Genesis 50:20(ISV)

Verse of the Day

It was probably jealousy that caused Joseph's brothers to treat him so cruelly, throwing him into a deep pit and finally selling him into slavery, causing his father such deep pain. But God in His wisdom, turned a most heinous crime into the most beautiful story, culminating in a glorious finale. God in His foreknowledge, knew all that was to take place in the life of Joseph long before he was born, and God prepared the way for the brutish, bullying behaviour of his eleven brothers to be transformed into a precious picture of God's protection and loving-care for His people.

When at last Joseph revealed that he had been made the governor of all Egypt and was in a position to protect his entire tribe for the duration of the terrible famine that was to ravage the world for seven years, Joseph comforted His brothers: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so that I could save the lives of many people."

Joseph is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus. Beloved of the Father, hated by His brethren, betrayed by those He knew and loved, only to be used of God to save His people from death and destruction before being placed in the highest position in the land, carrying out the will of the Father.

But this is not just a thrilling adventure story with a happy ending, this is a picture of the wonderful way that God takes and uses the most painful and difficult circumstances in the life of one that is trusting in Him to bring about good, not only for ourselves but for the many other people that touch our lives.

When evil and distressing situations happen to thwart our personal plans, we have a number of choices: We can wallow in the slough of despond, murmur against God for our misfortune, and bemoan our sorry state as we become embittered with our lot OR, by faith we can rest in the promises of God, knowing that no matter what happens in this life, God WILL bring good out of evil. He will bring life out of death. He will bring joy out of sorrow.

God uses all things to work together for good so that even when others intend things for evil, God will use it for good - not only for our eternal benefit, but for the benefit of others and to bring glory to His name.

My Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for the story of Joseph, which is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus. Thank You that the brutish, bullying behaviour of Joseph's eleven brothers was transformed into a precious picture of God's protection and loving-care for His people. Lord, keep me from evil, but I pray that when troubles and hardships come my way that, like Joseph, I may trust you implicitly. Help me to rest in the truth of Your Word, knowing that You work all things for good. Thank You that Your grace is always sufficient, no matter what I face. In Jesus' name, AMEN.