Author’s Note: Interested readers can find all previous volumes of this series here.
Are you curious about who this title is referencing? Hints:
His father gifted him a colorful robe.
He was blessed with a prophetic ability to interpret dreams that later saved his life.
His jealous brothers sold him into slavery for twenty shekels.
He was “well-built and handsome.” Thus, he became a victim of sexual assault by the wife of a powerful man — but it was our “hero” who went to jail for several years and was almost forgotten.
He was released from jail only because the Pharaoh needed, and was reminded of, our hero’s God-given talent for dream interpretation that forecasted a devastating famine.
Subsequently, our hero rose to power in Egypt, implementing his successful famine management plan that saved the people from starvation. In the end, he also saved the lives of his brothers, who had traveled from Israel to Egypt seeking famine relief.
After our hero revealed his identity, Joseph taught his brothers (and us) how to understand betrayal from a Godly perspective. Today, that “wisdom” is found in Genesis and ranks high among my favorite Bible verses.
After all these hints, loyal Bible-scholar readers will recognize the “Hebrew Hero” is Joseph who, from a position of power, is credited with saying the following verse to his brothers:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20 New King James).
For comparison purposes (also “forcing” you to read this meaningful verse again and again), here are two different Bible translations:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (New International Version).
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (New Living Translation).
I love the first part of the verse, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good,” because I have experienced this act of God’s grace as it has unfolded in my life over several decades.
Without going into too much detail, I was betrayed 25 years ago — legally, financially, emotionally — even criminally, set up by someone to whom I had given everything. However, through that time (several years) and trials (literally), God made his presence known and lifted me up in ways that were breathtaking and faith-strengthening.
Amazingly, like Joseph, I was given a dream message so timely and specific in detail that my lawyer successfully used it in court to win a case where I had been falsely and deliberately set up.
Therefore today, I feel blessed to present this verse to you with great faith and confidence in its truth. If you are a believer and have been betrayed in a life-altering way, God will reveal in HIS time (not yours) why you were “harmed” or someone “meant evil” against you, but God “intended it all for good.”
Why? I believe it is to bring you to a position where He can use you to further His Kingdom in whatever way He sees fit. In Joseph’s case, it was the “saving of many lives.” Here is the verse in context:
His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. 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 50:18-21).
The story of Joseph spans Genesis chapters 37 – 50, concluding the first book of the Hebrew Bible. It is an enthralling story that only God could “write.”
Thanks for reading today. If you are suffering because of betrayal or some unjust action(s) perpetrated against you, I pray that Genesis verse 50:20 will fill you with hope that brighter days are ahead because “God intended it all for good.”
Myra Kahn Adams is a media producer and conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. She is also Executive Director of www.SignFromGod.org, a ministry dedicated to educating people about the Shroud of Turin. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com or Twitter @MyraKAdams.
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