The story of Joseph is surreal if you were to put it in today’s context. He was sold into slavery, falsely accused and thrown into prison, and promoted to Prime Minister of Egypt to save the people from famine. That wouldn’t just make a Hollywood movie. It would be a multi-part series. God can use your pain for His good. Today we see what happens when others wrong you.
GENESIS 50:20
“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.”
A Different Path
Joseph suffered the ultimate humiliation when his brothers sold him into slavery. They were sick of his smugness and the favoritism their father showed to him. Since he was the child of Jacob’s favored wife, Rachel, he got more attention and favor. The brothers thought that if they got rid of him, that would go away. This sends Joseph on a path no one would choose, but God uses it for His purposes and glory. Joseph becomes a slave in Potiphar’s house, then thrown into prison, which sets up the opportunity for him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and become the prime minister of Egypt so he can save his family from famine.
God Using It for His Good
Have you ever been wronged? Has it cut to the deepest part of your heart? These are difficult situations to overcome, but I want you to look at it from the possibility of God using it for His good. Joseph became a slave, but God used it to save his family from the severe famine. Maybe God is using your wrong to bring about His purposes. Try to see over the pain and find the value.
When Others Wrong You
Many of the ways that God works have multiple purposes. He works in His people and uses that to work in many people around you. Develop the attitude Joseph possessed. “What man meant for evil, God used for good.” It allowed Joseph to focus on his work and keep his temper under control. In the end, he was able to extend grace to his brothers.