Purpose in Pain: Backfire!
Don’t you just love it when good triumphs over evil?! Isn’t it great when the wicked fall into their own pit? (Proverbs 26:27)
I have always loved the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Sold into slavery by his brothers and later sentenced unjustly to prison, Joseph never lost his faith. He knew God could pull him out of anything and eventually, not only did God get Joseph out of prison and slavery, but He gave Joseph favor and raised him up to second in command to Pharaoh! (Eph. 3:20) Then, years later when there was a famine in the land, Egypt was prepared (because God had given Joseph foresight and wisdom). At their end, Joseph’s brothers came to beg for food and refuge. They had to beg this from Joseph, though they did not recognize him (assuming he would have died years ago). When Joseph revealed himself (and once their father (Jacob) had died), his brothers feared for their lives. But instead of using his power and authority to condemn them, Joseph delivered one of the most profound thoughts in scripture when he said, “What you intended for evil, God intended for good.”
WOW! When this pregnancy tragically ended in the loss of the baby I was carrying Satan was very pleased with himself. I have known for years that God has called me into a fulltime ministry (though I do not yet know the full form that will take), and I’m sure Satan thought that this loss would be a sure setback and would halt, if not completely derail my progress, growth, and influence. I must say I had often wondered myself what I would do if ever faced with such a situation. But God, as He promised in scripture, was and is my Rock! When everything around me began to crumble, my foundation held! Talk about an ultimate backfire! Instead of stopping me in my tracks, it gave me more fuel! Because God was so faithful, and I had the opportunity to see and taste His truths and see the Word put to the test and prevail in my life as never before, I am more determined than ever to share of the great things God has done!
You see, if you and I will keep God in the forefront of our minds and keep our hearts turned toward Him, we will see this powerful scenario played out again and again in our own lives. And in doing so, we’ll open up the door not only for our own deliverance but for the benefit of others as they witness the power of our great God at work in our lives to turn tragedy into triumph.
