GOD'S INTENTION

 FEBRUARY 1, 2023

Genesis 50:20

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.


Joseph’s story is an extended example of the truth Paul later expresses in Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”.

Despite everything that had happened in the long story of Joseph’s life, he was able to say that God had sent him ahead into Egypt, to save life, not to destroy it (Genesis 45:5,7). It was not the jealousy and betrayal of his brothers that had carried him there, but the hand of God.

We can’t always see this truth, at the time of difficult situations. Most often, perhaps always, we see it only in retrospect. Looking back we see the hand of providence and we are comforted by the fact that there is no truer reality than this: God’s plans will be accomplished. 

Joseph’s story is the great example for us. Jesus’ story is the guarantee. God used the actions of misguided people to establish his kingdom in the death and resurrection of his Son. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Thanks be to God!

LET US PRAY

“God, thank you for your sovereign power and your guiding hand. Thank you that in your wisdom and care you don’t give us what we want, but what we need. Thank you for the blessing of knowing you are working all things together for the good of your people. Amen.