Good and Evil

The story of Joseph and his brothers is a familiar one. The brothers hated Joseph and his dreams and his coat of many colors, wanted to kill him, but sold him into slavery instead. Joseph rose above his condition, but nonetheless was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit. After 13 years languishing in a jail cell, he was freed, and became the most powerful man in Egypt after Pharaoh. His wise planning saved Egypt during 7 years of famine, the same famine which caused his brothers to travel to Egypt in search of food. Joseph later revealed himself to his brothers, and also was reunited with his father, Jacob, before his father died. After Jacob's death, Joseph's brothers feared that he would now extract his revenge on them for their past cruelty to him. But it wasn't so. Instead, Joseph told them in Genesis 50:20 (The Message), "Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now - life for many people."

You may find yourself in the same position as Joseph. Perhaps others - be they family members, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, church members, or other associates - have treated you very badly, and have caused you a world of hurt and pain. Perhaps the wound has been a very deep one, and is one that has lasted for several years. Know this: God can use your hurt and your pain and your injustice and your anguish and your sorrow for His good. He use use the evil of others for your good, just as he used the evil of Joseph's brothers to accomplish great things in the life of Joseph.

This is a very difficult lesson to understand, and it can be very confusing. Why would God permit us to suffer greatly in order to accomplish a later good? I don't know why, but I do know that He does it. Frequently. He did it with Joseph, and He may do it with you. If He is doing such a thing in your life, allow Him to continue His work. One day it will all make sense, and God will bless you abundantly for persevering through your trial, and creating good out of evil.