Grand Grace and Great Deliverance

By Danny Saavedra

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

It’s hard to think of anyone who’s experienced as many highs and lows as Joseph. From receiving a divine dream of great prosperity and authority to being assaulted and sold into slavery by his brothers; from ascending to the top of Potiphar’s house to being unjustly thrown in prison; from being forgotten in an Egyptian prison to being exalted to the second highest position in Egypt and being the instrument by which God preserved the lineage of Israel, Joseph’s journey leads us through the lowest depths of pain to the highest heights of prosperity.

His life was also filled with some of the most important spiritual lessons! When it comes to God’s ways and purposes and their application to real life, Joseph’s life educates us unlike anyone else’s. If we could compress these lessons into one truth, it would be this statement: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”

Allow that to settle in. The deepest, darkest moment of Joseph’s life served as a springboard to the amazing purposes and plans God had for him! 

The Lord sovereignly used the evil efforts of Joseph’s brothers to accomplish the greatest good not only for Joseph, but for his brothers and countless others! Can you believe that? In the end, there was reconciliation, restoration, and redemption for Joseph and his family. 

This shines the spotlight on the ingenious, grand, and generous grace of God! Where man’s sin and evil was great, His grace and goodness was that much greater (Romans 5:20). Where man sought to steal, kill, and destroy, God brought about life and abundance (John 10:9–10). This is our God; the God who brings extraordinary destinies out of excruciating seasons. 

Maybe you need a breakthrough, a deliverance, or a healing. Maybe you’re seeking reconciliation, restoration, or provision. Maybe you’re struggling, frustrated, or anxious. Maybe you’re experiencing grief, anger, or hopelessness.

Just as God sent Joseph ahead of his brothers to save many lives by a great deliverance, He also sent Jesus for our great deliverance, both in eternity and in this present age! Your struggles will not overtake you, consume you, or crush you because Jesus is at work and He wants to do something great in your life!

So, cling to Him and His promise for your soul because He wants to breathe life into you. He wants to produce miracles in and through you. All you need to do is walk by faith, not looking at your trial, but keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, believing that He is who He says He is, that He is faithful, and that His promises are true.

DIG: What does this verse teach us about the sovereignty of God?

DISCOVER: How have you seen God work evil for good in your life?

DO: Thank the Lord for His grace, goodness, and His perfect plans. Ask Him to work out His good purposes in your life!