“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.” – Genesis 50:20
Here, in a verse, is the beautiful mystery of God’s awesome, sovereign will. Even what sinful people intend for wicked purposes can be used by God to redeem and restore creation. Joseph, wise Joseph, could see the beauty of God’s sovereign will, even after suffering so long from the wicked schemes of sinful people. Thrown in a pit. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused. Unjustly imprisoned. Ungratefully forgotten. All so that through Joseph, God could save countless people across countless generations. And not just any people – the family from which Jesus Messiah would be born centuries later.
Joseph’s brothers absolutely meant it when they debated killing him vs. selling him into slavery. They desperately wanted to be rid of their annoying brother and his annoying dreams. However, those dreams that infuriated his family and led them to betray him also made Joseph comfortable providing interpretations of dreams to a king. Interpretations that would save so many. Interpretations that would ultimately save the world!
Remember that God is always working. He is always willing. He is all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and all-good. For those who love God, all things really do work together for good, for those called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). What an incredible comfort and assurance in seasons of tribulation! What a strong hope when you’ve been badly mistreated! Hold firmly to confidence in God’s sovereignty when things don’t seem to be going your way. Because even when people mean evil, God can, and will, use it for good! #FollowJesus