You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20 NIV
I think most of us have quoted Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him", but few have been able to say it and with grace like Joseph after going through what he did.
Nothing hurts more than family. People may hurt you, but when your brother or sister does something, that can leave a scar. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him, but, ended up selling him as a slave! Just put yourself in Joseph's place for a minute. Imagine looking up from that cistern and hearing them argue about what to do with you. They finally pull you out, only to find yourself sold as a slave. Then, your masters wife tries to seduce you and you get falsely accused of attempting to rape her because she's mad you rejected her. Next, you interpret a few dreams but the dreamers forget to tell anyone about you. But God had not forgotten Joseph.
Joseph tells his brothers flat out that even though they meant harm, he knew God intended it for good. First, think about Potiphar's wife. If Potiphar, the captain of the guard, had believed Joseph tried to "make sport' of his wife he probably would of killed him. So, instead of being killed Joseph was just placed in prison. And you know the rest. He ends up second to Pharaoh, trusted by Pharaoh to run the nation.
Now the amazing thing is that when he sees his brothers, he sees them through the eyes of grace and forgiveness, knowing that God used all things to work salvation through even their betrayal. In verse 17 we are told that "Joseph wept" (sound familiar?). He wept because God's grace had worked in his heart to allow him to forgive and love his brothers. God always intends salvation.
Where does God have you that even though others may have hurt you, God intends salvation?
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