God, The Master Weaver

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 ESV)

I occasionally run across people who I’ve known for years. Most are amazed by how much I’ve changed or, as some like to say, “developed.”

The fact is, I have changed; I’m no longer the same person I was. I had a choice; I could have continued to wallow in my pity party or taken a stand for what I believed.

During one of our weekly chats last week, my niece told me how proud she is of the woman I have become. Her words were a sweet aroma to my soul, especially during this season in my life. She then asked me what my secret was. How did I remain so calm and hopeful while going through many trials and tribulations? I didn’t have to think too hard; I said, “I owe it all to God.”

After our lovely conversation, I turned off all the lights and started to pray; I thanked God for everything He has done in my life and also asked Him to continue to give me His wisdom and discernment so that I could see my friends, family, and everyone I encounter through His eyes.

The Lord reminded me of Joseph’s life during my time with Him. His brothers betrayed him; Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, and he was imprisoned and forgotten. Yet Joseph never once expressed anger toward God. Instead, he held on to his faith because he believed in who God was.

Then one day, God turned everything around. The young boy who had been forsaken and forgotten became God’s instrument to save His people. In Genesis 45-50, Joseph meets his brothers face to face. He held a position of authority. He had the power to hold his brothers accountable for what they had done to him, but he chose not to. Instead, he said, “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.” (ESV, Genesis 50:20)

I have found this verse to be true in my life. I have been in situations where hope seemed so far away, but my beloved brother Larry, an Elders in my church, always reminds me that God causes all things to work together for our good. (See Romans 8:28)

“In God’s hands, intended evil becomes eventual good.” (Lucado, 2013 pp. 13)

Friends, there will be times when we cannot see what God is doing or why He has allowed things to happen in our lives. But like Joseph, we can hold on to the promises that God is good. He’s faithful and has good plans for us. (See Jeremiah 29:11)

He is continuously working behind the scenes to remove what evil the enemy has woven in our lives. Though we may not see it right away, we know God will surely fulfill His promises. Why? God is the constant in our lives. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Father, thank you for reminding me today that no matter what evil the enemy may be weaving in my life, You are working behind the scenes to reweave it and turn it into good. Thank You for being the constant in my life. Lord, continue to remind me that I’m never alone, no matter what storm I face. You will always pull me out and cause everything to work together for my good. Lord, help me to see people through your eyes of love. In your precious name, I thank You and give You all the glory, amen.

Reference
• Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright
2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights
reserved
• Lucado, Max (2013). God Will Use This For Good. Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc.