Wednesday, June 29 – Genesis 50:20

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.

Joseph spoke these words to his brothers following many trials in his life, which began with his brothers selling him into slavery. God had used his enslavement and imprisonment to make him a leader in Egypt. Joseph’s words also point to a greater theme throughout Scripture. God often uses the people we don’t expect in the situations we feel are hopeless and shows us how He is always working to restore. This also played out in Stephen’s life and death. The Pharisees were literally out to kill Stephen, but God used that dark situation in the life of Saul and to spread the gospel to Judea and Samaria, where the name of Jesus had not yet gone.

Have you ever felt that the world is out to get you? Have you felt the weight of people’s hatred for your faith? Do not be discouraged or afraid! God’s redemptive work is not finished. When you feel attacked, respond with peace and humility, and remember that God will bring conviction. When you feel alone, you rest in hope: He is not finished using your life to spread His love. Opposition in our faith is nothing new, in fact it has existed in the church from the very beginning. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be people of peace, knowing God will redeem every bit of suffering and hurt to bring Him glory.

• Have you ever felt opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
• What does Joseph’s response teach you about moments when you feel opposition from others?
• Pray and ask God to help you trust Him, even when it feels like others are against you.