Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God The Father – Genesis 50:19-21 – Intended It For Good – Growing As Disciples
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (NIV)
What Good Is This?
What good is this? What do you mean by asking what good is this? Well, I’m going through this trail. I did not want it. I did not bring it on myself. I did not cause it. I don’t think I deserved it. So, you’re saying that you don’t understand why you are going through this difficult trial. That’s it. That’s what I am saying. Let’s talk about that. I’d like that.
How often have you understood what good might come out of a difficult trial you were going through? Almost never, at least at the time, I have been going through a difficult trial. What has helped you to understand a difficult trial that you have gone through? Time, has helped me understand a difficult trial I have gone through. How so? I have had to look backwards in time to understand how you have used even difficult trials of mine to accomplish your purpose and fulfill your plans. Have you ever had a trial you thought that I would never be able to bring something good out of it? I have thought that, quite often, may be even, about most the trials I have gone through. That’s true.
I would like you to think differently about your trials. How so? I would like you to have faith that I will be able to bring good out of even the most difficult of your trails. I would like you to have faith to keep your heart and mind and life focused on me as you go through difficult trials. I would like you to trust that I will be with you to help you through even your most difficult of trials. I want you to hold on to me as I hold on to you. Will you have faith? Will you have trust? Will you hold on to me as I hold on to you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.
There are a couple more things I want to clear up for you. What’s that? You live in a broken world. I experienced trials. You will experience trials. I experienced pain and suffering and loss. You will experience pain and suffering and loss. I will weep with you as weep. I will mourn with you as you mourn. But, I will be with you to comfort you. I will be with you to help you. I will be able to bring good even out of your darkest hours and most difficult trials. Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes Lord, I believe. I know that you will be able to bring good out of even my most difficult trials. That’s very good.
Heavenly Father, I have not usually understood your purposes and plans as I have gone through trials in life. Thank you for allowing me to see your hand at work as I have looked back. Continue your good work in me for your glory. Amen
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