REDEEMING THE PAST
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
As we all live in this fallen world, none of us can escape the consequences of the evil that surrounds us. As a result, our past is often heavy with unresolved issues.
The experiences of Joseph tell us that God does not shield us from the issues and problems and suffering and pain that is endemic to this world. He does, however, walk with us to draw out good from bad.
Joseph’s experiences with God opened up a new window to his past, seeing things in the light of God’s oversight.
Perhaps we can learn to view the past through the lenses of God’s oversight too. It does not change the past nor does it erase the pain, grief, disappointments and anger of bad times but knowing that God was there even in the bad can give new meaning to our experiences and give us a better platform to forgive and let go so as to focus on doing what is good.
“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.”