Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Genesis 50:20–21 (MSG)
When something bad happens to you, it can shake your faith. You may even find yourself questioning what you did wrong to deserve it, or you might start to wonder if God orchestrated the tragedy to teach you something.
Meanwhile, nowhere in the Bible does it say that God creates pain and tragedy in our lives to teach us things. Several verses in the Bible tell us that all of God’s plans for us are good. Jeremiah 29:11 says that God’s plans are “to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” and Jesus said that He came that we could “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Not only are all of God’s plans for your life good, but He can even cause painful things from your past to work together for good. Take Joseph for example. In today’s verse, Joseph was speaking to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery. Despite the fact that his brothers planned evil against him, God turned things around for good, and Joseph ended up saving the Israelite people from famine.
The trouble and tragedy you face in this lifetime can’t stop you from fulfilling God’s purposes for your life as you access and use the strength and provision God has given to you. God wants to turn things around for your good and the good of those around you. No matter what happens, keep claiming this promise, and God will cause all things to work together for your good as you walk out the incredible paths He’s prepared for you.