"God Can Use a Bad Situation For Good"

January 17, 2024 | By Chuck

 “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). This verse amazes me. It’s a big-picture moment as Joseph looks beyond himself to God’s plan to help others. Joseph and his brothers had just lost their father, Jacob. Joseph had been through so much at the hands of his older brothers. They sold Joseph into slavery and allowed their father, Jacob, to believe he was dead. Joseph’s slavery led to a new place to live and a new culture in Potiphar’s house in Egypt.

            Joseph remains faithful to God in the face of severe adversity, and the hand and providence of God are seen clearly in his life. Joseph is demoted from head servant to Potiphar to prisoner in Pharaoh's prison. Joseph’s faithfulness to God never wavers, and God continues to bless Joseph with much favor. God even blesses Joseph with the position of governor of Egypt and second in command to Pharaoh. When a famine struck the land, Joseph was in charge prepared and able to feed those in need. This eventually led to Joseph being reunited with his brothers and his father as they needed food. Joseph fed his family and many other families and realized God used his bad situation for good.

            Joseph acknowledges the intent of his brother’s heart was evil, but he saw the big picture was that God meant it for good. God can take a bad situation and use it for good. Sometimes we find ourselves in less-than-desirable situations; and instead of looking for God and the good He can do, we often become self-absorbed with anger and self-pity. Not every situation is great and not every day is as good as we desire, but try to notice God and what He is doing with you and through you during the difficult time.