GOD can use it for good

Have you ever been wronged? I mean, really wronged? Where you are accused of something that you didn't do, or that you were mistreated just because someone didn't like you? I think we have all suffered some mistreatment in our lives to one extent or another. But, when I think about someone being wronged, I often think about Joseph.

Joseph was one of the sons of Jacob. He was born of Rachel, whom Jacob REALLY LOVED. Maybe Jacob doted on Joseph a little too much. Maybe the other brothers, born of Leah and others, were just jealous of Joseph because he wasn't their "full" brother. Whatever the reason, the other brothers really mistreated Joseph.

The other brothers were going to kill Joseph but decided it would just be too much on their father. So, they ended up selling him into slavery. Joseph was bought and served a powerful ruler, as we mentioned in a previous post. Even there, he was wrongfully accused and ended up in prison. It seemed that no matter what Joseph did, things turned out bad. BUT...

But, Joseph was faithful; he knew GOD had a plan. He knew, that while he couldn't understand why all this was happening, that GOD was going to bring something good from it all. We know the rest of the story - Joseph becomes second in command in all of Egypt, established a plan to preserve everyone through the coming famine, and was in a position to save the children of Israel, GOD'S chosen people.

Today's word is Genesis 50:20, ESV, which reads, "As for you, 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."

Did GOD intend for Joseph to be tested by Potiphar's wife and get thrown into prison. I mean, did he "make" Potphar's wife tempt and test Joseph? NO. However, GOD took that mistreatment and, because of Joseph's faithfulness, used it to put Joseph in a place that he could interpret a dream for someone who would eventually share that information with the Egyptian pharaoh, who would, eventually, put Joseph in a position to save His people. GOD used the bad to bring about good.

We are all going to go through things. We are all going to suffer mistreatment and wrongs at the hands of others. Let's remain faithful, though, and see how GOD can use it. They may mean it for evil but GOD can use it for good.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T