What Man Intended for Evil

I always wonder why some things turn out the way they do. You think about those job promotions that you never received, the relationship you wanted to happen but didn't, a loved one you had leaving the world prematurely and the list could go on. And in our mortal mindsets these events can be devastating and make us feel hopeless. But we are not able to see things like God sees things; we don't know what may come in the future whereas He does.

The story of Joseph is a great example of how God can turn unfortunate events into fortunate ones. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery where he was promoted to second in command but afterwards accused by his master's wife of trying to assault/get with her which in turn got him thrown into prison where he later on became somewhat of a warden and eventually became the Pharaoh's right hand man during a severe drought in Egypt. After all these events, Joseph's brothers had to come to him begging for food to save their starving families. Basically, God took the evil in the hearts of Joseph's brothers and turned it into good; the saving of the lives of Joseph's family. -Genesis 37-45-

I was reflecting on Joseph's story and it made me realize that yeah bad things do happen in life, to "good" and "bad" people, but we are do not know what the future has in store for us. I know I've personally had countless events happen that make me frustrated and hurt and I've cried out to God many times asking "Why" and "when will this ever end" and I feel like I've received no answer. However, it's comforting to know that He knows the future, He knows who I am and He has my best interests at heart. He knows how these experiences, good or bad, will help shape the way I am. I've realized this with a few things I've gone through in the past; my experiences have helped me when it comes to talking and understanding certain people and their struggles, my experiences have made me stronger in many regards, and my experiences have made me wise to newer struggles so I donÃ?t have to fight my way through like I have in the past. And I can trust and believe that whatever comes my way, God is in control and is using the choices and actions of others to help me better myself and prepare me for things to come. And who knows, maybe one day I can be in the place where my suffering and experiences can help to keep my family alive.

So when I'm confused about a situation or angry that things aren't going my way, I can look to Him for strength, comfort and guidance and trust in His promise that He will never leave or forsake me and that just like with Joseph, what man intended for evil, God has in store for good.