Intended For Harm, Used For Good
Thursday, December 28
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Devoción
Before Joseph was even born, God knew everything that would happen in his life. He set the stage for his brothers' vicious and bullying behavior to be turned into a priceless representation of God's love and concern for His people. The distinction between God "doing nothing" in response to human needs and God purposefully producing something is eloquently summed up in today’s verse.
God is able to use human efforts toward evil, even when those efforts are successful, in order to bring about greater good. This famous verse emphasizes that things beyond our comprehension are nevertheless a part of God's larger plan, but it also does not justify human guilt.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for intending things for good, even when people sometimes intend them for harm. I confess that I often doubt and that I also tend to hold grudges. Help me be more like Joseph – unwilling to harbor ill-will and so quick to forgive. And help me to be like Joseph also in the time of waiting – help me to do what is right, to reject what is evil, and to serve with patient faithfulness. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Do you feel held back from God’s promise because of the actions of others? As you think of such a situation, pray the Lord’s Prayer over the situation, those who have harmed you, and over your emotions about it (Matthew 6:9-13). Ask for the deliverance and surrender the situation to Him.
Recursos:
- Watch the message, “Overcoming Offense,” and be encouraged to maintain the right attitude when offended.
- Read about the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50, and draw inspiration from how he honored God in and out of season.