Experiencing Jesus in the Wake of SuicideSample

The Good to Come

God takes what the enemy intends for harm and uses it for good.

In Genesis, we read that Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, who were incredibly jealous of him. While in slavery, the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in everything he did. He found favor in the eyes of the Egyptian officials and was put in charge of Potiphar's household. Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. Think of him in today's world as being equivalent to an officer in the president's service.

During Joseph's time in Potiphar's house, he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife of trying to have an affair with her, and as a result, he was thrown into prison. While in prison, the Lord was with Joseph, and he gained favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Joseph was then put in charge of everyone in the prison. Advance forward a bit in the story, and because Joseph could interpret a dream for Pharaoh, the king, he was released from prison and put in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

While Joseph oversaw the land of Egypt, there were seven years of abundance, which he, having been warned in a dream that it would be seven years of abundance and then seven years of famine, wisely stored away copious amounts of food. When the seven years of famine came to pass, Joseph's brothers made their way to Egypt, knowing plenty of food could be found there. What they didn't know was that their brother, Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years ago, was in charge of the land in Egypt. When Joseph saw his brothers for the first time, he pretended to be a stranger, knowing his brothers did not recognize him. Joseph would soon reveal himself to them, and they became indebted to Joseph. But Joseph spoke the profound words in Genesis 50:20 that still ring true today.

He says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

The reality is that you and I have a very real enemy who wants to destroy us, and if he cannot destroy us, he will try to discourage us and distract us. Satan intends to make us question God when we feel lost and cause us to run from God when we don't understand. But rest assured, God takes what is intended for evil and uses it for good. He takes our hurt and gives us hope. He takes our pain and provides us with peace. He takes the messes of our lives and uses them to accomplish his mission: the saving of many lives.

The enemy may win battles here on earth, but God wins the war for all of eternity.

Whatever your story, Jesus can and will do the same for you. He takes our hurt, brings about healing, and then uses our story to share hope with others