Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

How To Turn Bad into Good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
I think we all have been the recipient of bad behavior by others. Perhaps your spouse cheated on you or a dear friend was unable to keep a secret. My heart breaks for those that have been incarcerated for decades for a crime and then are finally released when DNA evidence, which was not available at the time of the trial, proves they are innocent.
The Biblical story of Joseph is a powerful example of God turning bad into good. As you may recall, Joseph was the youngest of Jacob’s children. The oldest son typically was held in highest regard but Jacob favored Joseph and gave him “a coat of many colors.” Joseph told his brothers of his dreams and in one dream they were all bowing down to him. The brothers began to hate Joseph and one day threw him into a pit to die. However, they realized that they could receive a small amount of money for selling him and when a trader passed, they sold their brother into slavery. This is not just bad — it is evil!
Joseph spent many years in prison but maintained his faith in God. His ability to interpret dreams (a gift from God) eventually allowed him to interpret Pharoh’s dreams and manage the surplus of grain for the seven years of plenty to be ready for the following seven years of nothing. The boy ascended from a death pit to second in command of Egypt! When his brothers come to Egypt for grain, I am struck by Joseph’s response to them: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph knew that God would use the bad that had been done to him and eventually turn it into good. Isn’t that the message of Romans 8:28? “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Amen!
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Grace Or Truth?
Grace Or Truth? “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NIV). One of the more interesting debates in contemporary Christian circles is the debate regarding two terms – grace and truth. The question inevitably becomes – Do you stand for grace or truth? My progressive friends tend to favor grace, and my conservative friends tend to favor truth. My Christian friends understand that this is a false question and favor both.I don’t mean to be trite, but I certainly can sympathize with Pontius Pilate’s response to our Lord and Savior after He identified... -
Partner With God While Waiting
Partner With God While Waiting "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 KJV). Waiting is a daily occurrence: We wait in line at the grocery store, post office or on the phone. Sometimes, we are waiting long-term for news regarding a loved one who has suddenly become ill or was in an accident. Waiting is also a part of joyous occasions such as the birth of a child or marriage. In any case, worrying almost always leads to anxiety. I have five favorite scriptures that I go to while waiting. 1) In Isaiah 40:31, it says:... -
What Can Grasshoppers and Mustard Seeds Teach Us About Fear?
What Can Grasshoppers and Mustard Seeds Teach Us About Fear? “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV). Fear is our natural response to physical or emotional danger. Fear can be healthy to help us avoid dangerous situations. We often fear situations that are not as serious as we perceive, which can trigger an extreme, and often unnecessary, fight-flight-or-freeze response. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit them in the long run or hanging back during social...