Most of us are familiar with Genesis 50:20.
We know the story of Joseph and his brothers. How they left him in a pit and he was sold into slavery. He ended up in prison for years. Finally, he came out of the pit, and the prison and entered into a time of leadership and blessing.
Many years later, once he saw his brothers again, the very ones who meant to kill him, they were afraid. They knew what they did to him and they also knew he now had the ability to make them pay dearly. However, he did not, instead he said, “Don’t be afraid, you may have meant harm, but God turned it for all our good.”
I can’t read this story without thinking about a trip we once took to the beach a few years ago.
It was for my birthday. Bre and I had secured a three-bedroom, two bath home on the beach for a week. There would be five of us. We had specifically asked for a place that was not near any construction. You see, we don’t get to go to the beach often, so we wanted to make the best of it and have a quiet and peaceful time. This house worked for our budget and family.
Before going to the rental office, we drove down the beach to see where our rental was located. We were surprised to find there was construction on both sides – the very thing we had tried to avoid.
We went to the rental office to speak with someone about this issue. We were told by the first person we spoke to that no one would have rented us a home without construction nearby as they knew there was construction on the island. However, Bre is very efficient, she had it all in writing. We showed the rental manager the email. They set about working to rectify the situation.
In the end, they placed us in another beachfront home. This new home had five bedrooms and five bathrooms. One for each of us. It was huge and stunning. It was right on the beach and had a private swimming pool. It was also in an area that was much cleaner and much more secluded than our original rental. God absolutely took what was meant for our harm and disappointment and turned it for our good. That is one beach trip we will always remember with joy.
I recalled this story just last week when talking with my friend, Vicki. Vicki had endured months and months of problems with her vehicle. She had gone without a vehicle for a long time. As frustrated as she was, she continued to trust God.
When she finally had her resolution of a check in hand to purchase a new vehicle, still, delays kept coming. In the midst of our conversation I was reminded of the beach house. I shared it with her to encourage her. Which, hopefully, it did.
It is a fact the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. We all face this from time to time. If he can’t steal, he will certainly attempt to delay. However, just like Joseph, if we will continue to trust God, He will take whatever the enemy meant for harm and turn it for good.
His exchange rates are awesome. He gives us beauty for ashes. He gives us wholeness for sickness. He gives us peace where fear has tried to take hold. He takes us through the fires without ever smelling of smoke. He walks with us through the hardest paths and brings us out to rich fulfillment. These are all promises from His word.
Yes, the enemy means it for harm, but God, our God, will turn it for our good. I love how He does that. So, what’s our part? Keep trusting in His faithfulness. Keep standing in faith. Refuse to become discouraged because you know God is working it out for your good and perfecting all things that concern you. Then sit back and watch as your God turns everything around – and then, give Him all the glory!
