20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. -Genesis 50:20-21
When bad happens, we can blame God or trust God. Joseph chose to trust God.
Joseph’s brothers thought he might seek revenge for their evil act of selling him into slavery. Yet he saw it as part of God’s plan. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph promised to provide for his family. He was a blessing to them, not a burden.
In our culture that tells us God gives prosperity to those who love him, we should be reminded through Joseph’s life that those who trust God most often endure tragic situations. We are not promised protection from all suffering; we are promised that God will stand with us through all suffering. What we see as evil in our lives, God intends for good. Nothing is random. Everything matters. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
+++
Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.