Watchman: Daily Devotional, God Is Never Caught off Guard by the Evil of Man. He Causes All Things to Glorify Him. Just Ask Joseph!

Genesis 50:19-20 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.

After Joseph's father died, his brothers believed Joseph would finally get back with them. They pretended their father's final words to them were, "Please forgive your brothers." Today's Scripture is Joseph's response. Only God, Joseph realized, could evaluate and reward men for their conduct. He deferred all judgment to God and told his brothers that he would not intervene.

He then proceeded to tell us a fantastic truth. God can use what man plans for evil to save lives. The brothers' hearts were filled with hate, jealously, and greed, but God exploited their actions to get Joseph into Egypt. He got himself into prison by using a lustful wife. He told Pharaoh about a man who could interpret dreams through an ungrateful butler. God does not create or condone evil, but He uses the consequences of deeds to further His purposes. To those who love God and are called according to his purposes, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

In this story, we see God's omnipotence and sovereignty. Even evil in the world can be used to His advantage. What a wonderful God! We don't have to worry about evil becoming out of hand. God sits on the heavenly throne. Despite the fact that man sins against God and against us, God can use it to bless our lives and the lives of others. Don't be disheartened. Our God rules over all and will utilize everything to bring Him glory. His radiance covers the earth. Trust in His all-powerful hand to bring good out of whatever predicament you find yourself in.