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. Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
Everything in life has a purpose. Now, someone might say, “So you’re saying God has a purpose for cancer? He has a purpose for suffering?” No. Humanity’s fall unleashed suffering, disease and sorrow into our world—those things don’t come from God. What I’m saying is that God is incredibly strategic. He can use everything we walk through in life to work for our good—yes, even our worst heartaches and bumps in the road.
Look at Joseph’s story, found in Genesis chapter 37 and onward. Joseph didn’t have to endure slavery, false accusations or jail time in order to become governor and save nations from years of starvation. But maybe you’re thinking, “Well, that’s the only way God could get Joseph to where He needed him.” I completely disagree. What went down in Joseph’s life was because of jealous brothers. I believe Joseph was on his way to Pharaoh’s palace regardless of how many people lied, abused or tried to hurt him. Their actions simply couldn’t keep him from his destiny as he rose to serve God’s purposes for his life.
If you’ve trudged through dark days, failures or challenging circumstances, stop to reflect on your life from God’s perspective. You’ll begin to recognize instances where phenomenal timing or circumstances took place to cause all things—good or bad—to work together for your best in some way.
As Joseph experienced, bumps in the road cannot derail God’s purposes for your life as you stay focused on Him. Keep going!