"You thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, ... to keep many people alive" Genesis 50:20
Some time ago, everyone was stunned by a destructive shooting that left 32 dead in the premises of the Technological University of Virginia. In the ensuing period, the mother of a seriously injured student who survived said she did not want the ordeal to become the defining moment in her son's life. Instead, she hoped it could be "something positive, a great celebration of my son's life."
When the unthinkable happens, it may seem impossible to believe that something can overcome the emotional scars. However, Joseph's life offers a powerful illustration of the transforming power of God (Genesis 37-50). The brothers who sold him as a slave were sure that he would take revenge on them (50: 15-17). But Joseph said to them: "You thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to do what we see today, to keep many people alive" (v. 20).
When we put our desire for revenge into the hands of God, we become participants in the extraordinary process described by Paul: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
The moments that define our lives are not determined by the evil that has been done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God.
Let the danger take you to Jesus.
