All Things are 8:28

Whether you’ve heard the story of Joseph or not, I am sure you’ll be able to relate to him by the end of this devotion. Allow me to give you a very brief summary of his life: 

Joseph had brothers who were jealous of him and decided to kill him. (Hopefully you’re not relating at this point in the story.) Before they were able to kill him, they met up with a group of Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt, and they came up with this new plan. They decide to sell their brother as a slave instead.

Long story short, Joseph is taken off to Egypt, and his brothers return to tell their father that his favorite son is dead. After much time and many significant events, Joseph sees his brothers again. This time, there is a severe famine and Joseph is in a position of influence. Joseph uses his influence and saves his brothers - the same brothers who betrayed him and left him for dead.

Remember our quote from yesterday: “In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good.”

As much as you might relate to Joseph, there is a very stark difference between the two of you. The difference is this: Joseph didn’t have access to the New Testament. Joseph didn’t have encouraging scriptures like Romans 8:28. Joseph couldn’t recite:  

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Joseph wasn’t repeating that verse over and over while he was going through his storm. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, I doubt he was thinking “Wow, God is going to use this for good.”

When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and he was thrown into prison, I doubt he was thinking “Wow, another opportunity for God to turn this around for good.” 

BUT GOD DID. 

God did because that is what God does. At this very moment, you might not have the confidence that God is going to use your current storm for good, but He will because that is just what God does! We may not always see things clearly in the present. If we look back however, a lot of times we can see that God was walking with us all along. You know the old saying, “Hindsight is 20:20.” I would also like to add that, for the believer, “All things are 8:28.” 

Make this your moto for today: 

Hindsight may be 20:20, but all things (past, present, and future) are 8:28.