A nameless wise sage has stated, "Things have a way of working out". Given the perspective of time, challenges and problems run their course and we adjust our lives accordingly. Ultimately, for the child of God, His purposes prevail.
"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." (Genesis 50:20)
The tragedy and triumph of Joseph's life is as dramatic as any. This dreamer of dreams knew the bitter heartache of slavery, imprisonment, and alienation in a foreign land. But he also knew the triumph of power, wealth, and influence. Ultimately, with his humbled brothers bowing at his feet, he rightly framed his life according to the perspective of God's purposes. His words are echoed in similar words from the pen of the apostle Paul: "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)
The greatest example of all of evil used for good was through the unjust treatment of God's Son. The apostle Peter stated to those responsible for Jesus' death, "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him." (Acts 3:13). Much like Joseph's statement to his brothers, Peter declared that God has brought about good through the evil intended for His Son.
None of us will go through life without some unjust treatment. Regardless of our innocence, there are those with evil intentions against us. And few things are more difficult to shoulder than unjust treatment. The words of Jesus - "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28) - seem unattainable in such moments. And they are, aside of the aid of Holy Spirit and the perspective so well stated by Joseph: "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result".
Unless we frame our lives from the perspective of of the greater purpose we serve in the will of God, we will be prone to dismay and bitterness. Our unjust pain will be pointless unless we gain the perspective that the evil done against us is being used of God to bring about good.
Although I pray God's blessings upon you today for a day of blessing and fulfillment, realistically I know that this day will likely hold at least some injustice. Ultimately, I pray that He open your eyes to the good He is doing with any evil brought against you.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
"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." (Genesis 50:20)
The tragedy and triumph of Joseph's life is as dramatic as any. This dreamer of dreams knew the bitter heartache of slavery, imprisonment, and alienation in a foreign land. But he also knew the triumph of power, wealth, and influence. Ultimately, with his humbled brothers bowing at his feet, he rightly framed his life according to the perspective of God's purposes. His words are echoed in similar words from the pen of the apostle Paul: "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)
The greatest example of all of evil used for good was through the unjust treatment of God's Son. The apostle Peter stated to those responsible for Jesus' death, "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him." (Acts 3:13). Much like Joseph's statement to his brothers, Peter declared that God has brought about good through the evil intended for His Son.
None of us will go through life without some unjust treatment. Regardless of our innocence, there are those with evil intentions against us. And few things are more difficult to shoulder than unjust treatment. The words of Jesus - "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28) - seem unattainable in such moments. And they are, aside of the aid of Holy Spirit and the perspective so well stated by Joseph: "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result".
Unless we frame our lives from the perspective of of the greater purpose we serve in the will of God, we will be prone to dismay and bitterness. Our unjust pain will be pointless unless we gain the perspective that the evil done against us is being used of God to bring about good.
Although I pray God's blessings upon you today for a day of blessing and fulfillment, realistically I know that this day will likely hold at least some injustice. Ultimately, I pray that He open your eyes to the good He is doing with any evil brought against you.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 9:10 AM
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