What the Enemy Intends for Evil, God Will Use for Good

 

By Debbie McDaniel, Crosswalk.com

“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

What The Enemy Meant for Evil

At just 16 yrs. of age, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and taken from his British homeland to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He worked in the fields as a shepherd for 6 years under terribly harsh conditions, until God miraculously provided a way of escape for him to flee. As difficult as that time must have been, it was during those lonely years of enslavement, where he faced hunger, freezing temperatures, and pain, that he met with God, and found deep closeness in His Presence through prayer and meditation.

Who would have ever dreamed of how God would turn around this tragedy for good?

After months back at home, recuperating and seeking direction for his future plans, St. Patrick felt strongly led to go back to Ireland. He knew God had brought him there for a purpose and he was burdened to share Christ with a lost nation.

History tells us that thousands were saved. Revival broke out among this pagan people, lives were changed, as many came to know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Though God is not the author of evil in our world, and though often He does choose to shelter and protect us from the evil attacks of the enemy on our lives, sometimes…He takes us straight through dark seasons. And it’s never to leave us there for no purpose. He will always have a purpose and hope through what we may experience, however difficult it may be. He will always be faithful to bring greater good.

Both the lives of St. Patrick and Joseph in the Bible remind us of this truth. Sold into slavery, held captive, and imprisoned, yet set free for the “saving of many lives.”

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Bible Scripture

Genesis 50

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us,

and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to

Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I

beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now,

please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they

spoke to him.

18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your

servants.”

19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, you meant

evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as itis this day, to save many

people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he

comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

God Will Turn It For Good

If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. Somehow. He is faithful to His Word, and He is crazy about you. He will see you through, don’t ever doubt it. You will step out to the other side of the darkness. And who knows, but that many lives may be affected for the kingdom’s sake, because of your difficult season of struggle.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Sometimes the most difficult times we walk through can feel like captivity to our hearts and minds. If you find yourself there today, be assured that God is with you and leading you through. Even if you can’t see how the whole story will unfold, His plans for us are good, He gives hope and purpose. Choose to thank Him today that He will turn your struggle around for good. Pray that He will use it as a blessing in your life and for many others to know of His power and great love.