One of the biggest struggles I see in many Christian’s lives is how they deal with life, when life doesn’t go their way.  Relationship struggles, work struggles, sickness, disease, death, etc., all can lead someone to question why God is allowing this to happen, or even to become angry with God.  While in those deep moments of hurt/pain it is not helpful to tell someone that God is going to use everything to good, it is important to press that truth into our hearts now to prepare us for the struggles to come.

In the book of Genesis, Jacob had many sons, but one he especially loved named Joseph.  Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy eventually led them to sell their brother into slavery, and he ended up in Egypt, out of Israel.  God blessed Joseph there, eventually raising him in power, second only to Pharaoh himself.  Then there came a famine in Israel, and everyone was searching for food, including Joseph’s brothers and father.  Joseph’s brothers and father eventually came to Egypt, where they found Joseph.  Joseph’s brothers were afraid of what he would do to them, however Joseph dealt gently with them, and provided food and supplies for them.  In Genesis 50:20, Joseph speaks to his brothers (who had sold him into slavery) – “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.”  Of course, this is a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for us – what others meant for evil, God meant for good, that many people should be kept alive.

There are so many promises of God, but perhaps none more comforting and sweet than is told us in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Nothing “catches God off guard”.  He is our sovereign Lord and King, and he reigns, and has infinite power to bring about all that he desires.  As Christians, we can know that even if in our small view of things when we cannot see the good, we have a big God, who loves us, will never leave us, and will always act to draw us closer to him, for our good and His glory…even when it hurts.  Hope you all have a great day with the Lord!  Know you’re prayed for.

Grace and Peace,
Adam