
We're finishing our last message from the life of Joseph with a powerful conclusion. In looking back on the extreme ups and downs from Joseph's life, he sums it all up by saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..."
This phrase has comforted generations of Christians and it's important to clarify what it actually means as we apply it to our own lives.
"God meant it for good" doesn't mean:
- what happened is good (death, financial troubles, job loss -- are not good!)
- there is no human responsibility
- you'll see how all the dots in your story connect
"God meant it for good" does mean:
- evil is under the wise and gracious hand of God
- God is with his people working out his saving purposes
- in all things God works for the good of those who love him
We can have assurance of the love God has for us and hold onto future hope because of what Jesus has done on the cross.