You meant evil, but God meant good

“…Am I in the place of God…you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good.” – Genesis 50v19-20

Joseph’s brothers were in a panic! Israel had died and now they were certain that Joseph would take out revenge on them for all that they had done to him. As they went to Joseph they must have been stunned at his response. He said, “Don’t be afraid – who am I to question God. You meant only evil against me, but God had a good plan in mind - to save the nation of Israel.”

How relieved they must have been. Joseph had no interest in punishing his brothers. He knew that God had been in control the situation from day one. This is the Romans 8v28 of the Old Testament – “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

We can rest in the absolute sovereignty of God. He works human circumstances for good. Things come into our lives that we absolutely cannot see as being good. All we see is the darkness and the trouble of the moment. May we have a Joseph-like outlook to our difficult times. May we be reminded that God is in control, that He is by His very nature good, and that He desires good for His people. Even when men mean attacks against us for evil, God can turn them around for good. Praise God for this wonderful assurance!