God works all for our good
Chapter 12
by Gini Crawford, MSW
God's good helps us to forgive
God works all things for our good whether we feel He does or doesn't. God knew evil would wrap its tentacles around the world because of sin, but by His love and sovereignty, good still triumphs (James 1:16-17). God takes our trials and tribulations and uses them for good in our lives and the lives of others. A situation that is so awful for us may have a very good result for many others, such as my brother-in-law volunteering to be in a cancer trial to help future brain cancer patients. (Genesis 50:20).
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV®
With God a situation that is awful can have a positive result. A good example of this in the Bible is the story of Joseph in Genesis. God used Joseph's trials for good in his life, and for the good of millions of people. In short, Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery out of jealousy when he was a teenager, and were hoping this treacherous deed would end in his death. Now it was many years later and Joseph (who is now second to only Pharaoh of Egypt) says to his brothers,
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 NIV®
Joseph's brothers were very fearful because of what they had done to him. His brothers figured Joseph would not forgive them and would get just revenge. However, Joseph did forgive his brothers because he understood that God can work good in all situations. If we can grasp that God works all things for our good, it will help us to forgive. This is because you will know even the most horrible offense or situation, God can use for good now and for your eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Doubting God's goodness
God does work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Yet, I know at times it is hard to feel that way. I have macular degeneration that could end up making me blind in the future. The day I got diagnosed; I was a wreck. Looking back, even though I felt afraid, hopeless and helpless, God was there leading me (Psalm 23). I can still feel my diagnosis isn't good, but God has shown me the good from it. It has strengthened my faith in Him and shown me a supernatural peace that I didn’t think possible (John 16:33).
If you don't feel God is good, ask Him to show you His goodness in your life. I do when I am struggling with God's goodness. He always answers my heartfelt struggles. (Psalm 23:4-6).
Life Application
Joseph our example
The story of Joseph in Genesis is a godly example of forgiveness. I know the story of Joseph is a long read but well worth it. I have broken Joseph's life down in Bible passages to make it easier to read. Share some thoughts after each Bible passage.
- Joseph's dreams cause his brothers to be jealous and their jealousy turns into abuse. Read Genesis 37:1-36.
- Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt. After a while he is falsely accused and thrown in prison. Read Genesis 39.
- God blesses Joseph even in prison and he meets two of Pharoah's officials who have dreams Joseph interprets. Read Genesis 40:1-8.
- Pharoh has a dream about a 7 year famine that only Joseph can interpret because of God. Joseph's wisdom and his interpretation impresses Pharaoh, so Pharoh puts Joseph in charge of Egypt. Read Genesis 41.
- Joseph's brothers come to Egypt because of the famine. Joseph, in control of the food, deals with his brothers. Joseph knows them but they don't know him. He hears them speaking among themselves and hears - how they thought every bad occurrence was the result of their sin against Joseph and God's punishment. Joseph weeps over their repentance. Joseph gives them food and they leave, still not realizing they are dealing with the brother they sold into slavery. Read Genesis 42:1-26.
- Food runs out, so brothers have to take another trip to Egypt to face Joseph again. Read Genesis 43:1-31.
- I would imagine Joseph struggled with what he would do or not do to his brothers if he ever saw them again. Could he forgive them? Joseph didn't see God's complete will and goodness through his unpleasant trials until he became the Pharoah's right hand man. With his brothers back, Joseph tested his brothers. This allowed him to see they were sorry for what they had done to him, bringing much needed psychological healing to Joseph, his brothers and the whole family. Joseph responded with forgiveness knowing he was a part of God's bigger plan, to bring good to many. Joseph forgave his brothers because of God. Read Genesis 44:1-17, 33-34; Genesis 45:1-11; Genesis 50:15-21.
How do you respond when a person has abused or offended you? Can you forgive as Joseph did because He trusted in God and His goodness?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know You are working every moment of every day for my good. So I pray I can see your good when people are mean and hurtful to me, and forgive.