Originally posted: 02/18/2019
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive,” (50:20).
The close of this chapter of God’s story proclaims a theme woven throughout the pages of Scripture: God’s intentions for our Good.
Joseph’s brothers were overcome with fear, begging for mercy; and Joseph weeps, as if to say, “Haven’t I already demonstrated my love for you?” But even after all he had done, the brothers dreaded their future. Sound familiar?
We too, very often misinterpret God’s objectives in the midst of a world filled with pain and suffering. Our trials often produce more confusion than confidence. Today, let us consider God’s truth, His proof regarding His Good intentions for His people.
Consider Him Who Meant It For Good
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Promise.
- In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, (Ephesians 1:13-14).
- …in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, (Titus 1:2).
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Plans.
- The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation, (Psalm 33:11).
- The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,” (Isaiah 14:24).
- “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope,” (Jeremiah 29:11).
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Purpose.
- “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted,” (Job 42:2).
- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28).
- …also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (Ephesians 1:11).
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Power.
- “But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth,” (Exodus 9:16).
- And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Provision.
- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8).
- And this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins, (1 John 4:10).
He Meant It For Good, Proven in His Pleasure.
- Whatever the Lord pleases, He does,
In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps, (Psalm 135:6). - “Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure,’” (Isaiah 46:10).
How do we respond to Him Who Meant It For Good?
Believe Him Who Meant It For Good!
Let us be diligent to feed our faith on the truth of His Word, that we might grow in our assurance that He is always working to accomplish His perfect promises, plans, and purposes by His power and provision, for His good pleasure.
As we look at this life, let us ask the Lord for spiritual glasses that we might have perfect spiritual vision, even 50/20 vision!
“As for… [anything and everything He allows to come our way] God meant it for good,” (50:20).