You Meant It for Evil

I’m sure you’ve experienced it. A shrewd word, a slanderous remark, an evil act. What hurts worse is when it comes from someone we’re close to. Personal acts of betrayal cut us the deepest. Joseph, the one known for his coat of many colors, knew what it was like to be betrayed. Not only did his brothers ‘sell him out’ but so too did those he helped in prison. After Pharaoh’s wife lies about Joseph’s intentions, which resulted in him wrongfully being thrust into prison, he’s even forgotten about by the cupbearer he interprets a dream for. You might be tempted to think that God would have intervened. You might find yourself thinking: “How in the world would God allow this to happen to Joseph when he had done nothing to deserve any of these things?” In reality, God was preparing Joseph for greater things…things well beyond Joseph’s scope of understanding. Truth be told, God was there all along intervening in ways well beyond the scope of human understanding. Joseph speaks volumes to us when in Genesis 50:20 he says, “You meant evil against me, but GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” One of the greatest tests we’ll ever face is allowing God to work all things out in His time and in His way. Ever been wrongfully accused? Ever been “thrown under the bus” by a beloved family member? You’re in good company. Even our Lord was left to bear His cross alone. The next time you experience being wrongfully accused or mistreated, ask your Creator: “Heavenly Father, even though others have meant evil against me, is this test from you meant for good?” (Romans 8: 28). 

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin