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."
―Romans 8:28

by Jon Walker

Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and later thrown into prison on false charges. Yet, he remained free of bitterness or regret and saw God as the 'Great Engineer' behind even the worst of circumstances.

In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good" (Gen 50:20).

“God meant it for good” says:

You can accept the past. No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle or too big to be worked out for good. Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his brothers who ended up relying on him for their survival.

You can embrace the present. There’s no need to play the 'what if' game. The past is forgiven and gone, and the future is in God’s omnipotent hands; so you’re free to focus on the present: “Wherever you are, be all there,” says Jim Elliot. God wants you in the present because that’s where His grace will flow.

You can look expectantly toward the future. Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, without fear of making mistakes that take you out of God’s control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is still working out His divine plan for your life.

Jon Walker is editor of the Daily Hope Devotionals and author of Costly Grace.