The Sovereign God with Good Intentions

Genesis 50:19–21

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 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. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.  (Genesis 50:19-21 ESV)

It can be easy for us to look at the suffering, evil, and problems in our life and wonder, “Where is God in all of this?” Joseph’s life took some interesting turns, and he may have wondered the same. But notice the insight Joseph had. He knew God had good intentions. God has a way of bringing good out of evil.         

Fast forward many years later to a cross at Calvary. There you will see by far the greatest act of evil in all of human history, namely the murder of the sinless Son of God. But in that act of evil, God brought about the greatest good ever known to man. 

In the story of Joseph, we are the conniving, evil-hearted brothers. While they betrayed the beloved son of Jacob, we have betrayed the beloved Son of God. It points us to Jesus, who provides forgiveness for the very ones who sinned against Him. Whereas Joseph had food that filled his brothers’ stomachs temporarily, Jesus offers us living bread that lasts forever—Himself.

Father, I thank You that out of the greatest evil, You brought the greatest good. You have good intentions for Your children. Please grant me that perspective today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Family Connection: As a family, discuss what forgiveness means. Have your children write down the name of someone that they need to ask forgiveness from and the name of someone that they need to forgive. Pray together over those names.