Topic: God Meant It for Good [Joyce Meyer Devotional 18 February 2020]
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Then his brothers went and fell down before him, saying, See, we are your servants (your slaves)! And Joseph said to them, Fear not; for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.— Genesis 50:18-20 (AMPC)
Whatever may have happened to us in the past, it does not have to dictate our future. No matter what people have tried to do to us, God can take it and turn it around for good. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Romans 8:28 AMPC) Sometimes we forget how big our God is.
Through everything that happened to him, Joseph kept his eyes on God. He didn’t sit around and gripe and complain and have a pity party. Despite what others—even his own brothers—did to him, he didn’t allow himself to be filled with bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. He knew it didn’t matter who was against him, because God was for him and would eventually work out everything for the good of everyone involved.
Joseph knew that whatever happened, God was on his side. He let God build his life, his reputation, and his career. That’s what you and I need to do. We need to put no confidence in what we see around us, but to put ourselves entirely in God’s hands.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to forgive the people who’ve hurt me. Thank You for being on my side, and for somehow using my pain for my long-term good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.