God's Intention
Picking up from yesterday and writing about God working things for good ...
I should have mentioned Joseph as an example of this. His brothers got jealous and threw him in a pit. They sold him off as a slave and told their father he was eaten by an animal. Joseph was able to rise in the ranks in Egypt. He had favor. Potiphar saw the Lord was with him and the Lord gave Joseph success. Joseph prospered. He went to prison, wrongfully accused. Then, the Lord gave Joseph favor with the warden. Joseph continued to be successful in all he did. The cupbearer forgot about him. Eventually, Joseph was able to interpret the dream of Pharoah, and Pharaoh put him in charge of Egypt.
Genesis 50:19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 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.
Psalm 105:17-22 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.
20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Everything that happened to Joseph was part of God's plan for his life. It may seem like it was his brothers doing it, but God used them to fulfill his plans for Joseph and for Israel. God was able to use Joseph to prepare for the famine and to save Israel, Egypt, and other countries during the famine. Yes, Joseph had to endure a lot of pain and suffering, but in the end, he had a great purpose. Joseph had a family, power, and wealth. Also, Joseph was able to reconcile with his family and provide for them.
Even though someone may want to hurt you, God is always there for you. He wants the best for you, so His plan will prevail. Jeremiah 29:11 says God has a plan for us. Plans that prosper us, not harm us. He won't let the enemy defeat you. We have a hope and a future in God. God is a good God with a good plan. That is His intent for us.
