God Meant It
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
Insight
In the book of Genesis, we are introduced to the incredible story of Joseph. If Joseph's parents were in our church today, they would top the prayer request list because Joseph had 11 brothers. Joseph was the youngest and his father Jacob's favorite. So much the favorite that Jacob gave Joseph a special coat of many colors. Joseph was proud of his coat. His brothers not so much. They were jealous and upset.
The coat irked them, but their anger reached its tipping point when Joseph told his brothers about a dream where, in the future, they would bow down to him (Genesis 37). As an older brother, I would not receive this well either if my brother said this to me. Joseph's brothers were so angry, they orchestrated a plan to sell him into slavery. They were successful, and Joseph became a slave in Egypt.
To make a long story short, Joseph went through a ton of trials, struggles, and tough times. But we see a repeated phrase throughout the story of Joseph's life, and it is, "The Lord was with Joseph…"
Fast forward to the end; Joseph rose from a mere slave to becoming the king's righthand man. Joseph saved Egypt from a massive famine, and he was able to come face-to-face with his brothers. He offered them forgiveness and grace for what they had done almost thirteen years earlier. Looking at his brothers in the eyes, Joseph made an unreal statement, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…" (Genesis 50:20). Throughout all the misery Joseph had to face, he maintained trust and perseverance in God. He knew and trusted that the Lord was with him.
You and I have the opportunity to trust the same promise as Joseph did. Other parts of Scripture tell us that God does not waste anything in His people's lives. We can trust that God will use every single moment of our lives for a higher purpose. It might take some time, and it requires a ton of faith, but God is with us through it all.
Joseph did not understand what God was orchestrating behind the scenes until 13 years later, and for most of that, his circumstances seemed to worsen. Yet, at the end of Joseph's experience, he realized the excellent work of God.
So, let’s look at our tough moments, circumstances, or seasons and say, "Oh, let’s not worry, God is with us and is working everything out for our good and His glory." Those words may be tough to speak during challenges. But when we look back, we will see moments where misery gave way to a higher purpose that God was working out the entire time. Be patient, have faith, and fall more in love with Jesus. Trust that the tough moments will result in something greater than could ever be imagined.
Reflection
How do you respond to tough seasons in your life? What impact do they have on your heart?
How much peace could exist in these tough seasons if you surrendered them to God?
Prayer
Father, thank you for being a good and loving Father. I am grateful for the promise that You use all things for a higher purpose. I pray for a better perspective during my tough seasons. May I remind my heart to trust in the One who loves me. I love You, and pray this promise in Your holy name, Amen.
PC3 writer Davy Nance wrote today's devotional.
