A Lesson from Joseph

Joseph was thrown into a pit and left for dead. Some might say, How could an all-good an all-powerful God allow evil like this to exist in the world? If He is in fact all-powerful and if He is in fact all-good, how do those truths reconcile with evil? Many unbelievers ask those questions and conclude that it is irrational to think that an all-powerful and all-good God would allow evil, therefore, God does not exist. Recently in my apologetics class we have looked at this issue. One principle to keep in mind when considering the problem of evil is that often times we look at evil from our perspective and not God's perspective. We should not question God as Job did and ten be rebuked by God accordingly. We must focus on the reality that we cannot know or fully understand the exhaustive purposes of God.

Just this morning in our family devotions we read Genesis chapter 50. In verse 20, Joseph explains God's use of the evil brought about in his life, God meant it for good. Through the act of his brothers, God sovereignly brought Joseph to Egypt and through him made provision to preserve the nation of Israel. As we experience evil in our life and trials that come upon us, we must keep in perspective that God is God and He is bringing about His purposes in and through those circumstances. He uses all things for our good and to accomplish His purposes. Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." As we encounter trials and evil in our life, we should first confess that God is good and all-powerful and also ask ourself, "What is God going to accomplish in the midst of this circumstance?"

Brent