#30 Thoughts from the Back Deck

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20 ESV

I have had people over the years in my life say and do things that were, in my view, simply evil. Things that deeply wounded me. Said or done things that hurt my family. 

But nothing I have experienced or hopefully any of us goes to the depths of evil, hurt, and betrayal that Joseph faced. Thrown into a pit. Sold into slavery. False sexual assault claims. Prison.  Lied about. Judged falsely. Left for dead. Plotted against...

This is not written in scripture to my knowledge specifically about Joseph but in the totality of God's word, His story for us, it is safe to say, that Joseph was not able to speak "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." by his own logic, understanding, and power of reason. 

Holy Spirit for and in Joseph.

Holy Spirit for and in you and me. 

Those painful times you and I have experienced in life, the sense of evil, betrayal, and the deep wounds we have experienced (and caused), are only really able to be healed, understood, and FORGIVEN by and with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

In my experience, this for me happens mostly with the passage of time (like Joseph had as he languished in prison), as God uses the passage of time to help me see Him bringing about good, restoration, clarity, and strengthening of faith and trust that He works through all things. 

Even the painful things. 

Peace out,
Andy

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