January 25

God’s Purposes

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 16:7-11 | Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10 | Matthew 16:13-17:9 | Proverbs 5:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 50

“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).

We live in a world where many evil things are done. People are hurt and wronged all the time. But that isn’t the whole story.

As in Joseph’s life, God is also at work. What others do to us with the intention of harm, God is able to turn around for his purposes to accomplish good.  

His brothers’ evil intentions of selling Joseph into slavery led to God’s good intention to make Joseph a powerful ruler in Egypt who would provide food for many during a time of famine (including his own family).

Romans 8:28 states the same principle: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

In all things, even the hardest to understand, God is at work shaping actions brought about by man’s evil intentions into opportunities for his own good intentions and our growth.  His ways are beyond our understanding—truly amazing.

When circumstances get you down, when people hurt or take advantage of you, look to the Lord and his amazing ways.  Look for a hidden purpose.  Wait in hope and look for the good that God intends to bring from your situation.

God of Hope, your ways are beyond my ability to completely understand. Yet I wait, I trust, I hope in your faithful, unfailing love. Work all things for my good and your glory. Amen.