“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

For years, the guilt of selling Joseph into slavery ate away at his brothers. That guilt grew into fear, which is why Joseph twice told them, “Do not be afraid.” The first time he said, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” The second time he added, “Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Then we read that he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Today’s verse is sandwiched between these two assurances of “Do not be afraid.” Joseph was able to extend such comfort and kindness because he himself had experienced the comfort and kindness of God. Stephen, led by the Spirit, later gives us additional insight in Acts: “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house” (Acts 7:9–10).

Once again, we see another “But God” in Stephen’s words. Joseph lived in the reality of an ever-present God—a God who never left him or forsook him. This same God was all-powerful, delivering Joseph out of his troubles. Notice: God did not spare Joseph from the pit or the prison, but He did bring him out of them and into the palace. His deliverance came in God’s perfect timing and according to God’s perfect plan.

This brings us back to today’s verse: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Joseph had learned to rest in God’s loving arms while waiting for His plan to unfold. This is one of the hardest lessons for any of us to learn. Paul reminds us: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). And what is God’s purpose? Paul continues: “To be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).

Anchor For Today:
God is always able to work, even in the worst of circumstances, to accomplish His purposes.