For The Good.

"Everything will work out how it's supposed to." 

If you ever have a conversation with me, you've probably heard me say that. If you talk to me often, you probably hear me say that at least once on a daily basis, typically multiple times. 

I'm a firm believer in it, and I've clung to Romans 8:28 in my daily life pretty hardcore for the past year and a half. If you aren't familiar with it, it says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

While I say it often and believe in it wholeheartedly, there are times that I say it because I know I need to hear it, because I know I need to believe it, even if I might not be feeling it and having faith in it with my whole heart.

Doubts. Fears. Insecurities. Detours. They creep in and can test that belief that He will indeed work everything together for the good. 

I've been reading through Genesis this week, and as I was working through the story of Joseph and his brothers, we read about Joseph being sold by his brothers and his father, Jacob, believing that he was killed and he'd never seen his son again. 

Joseph eventually ended up in prison and by the grace of God, was eventually called to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. God had been showing Pharaoh through his dreams that there would be 7 years of abundance, followed by 7 years of severe famine in the land. Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph's wisdom and discernment from the Lord, and appointed Joseph over the land of Egypt, with only himself being greater than him.

A man that once was sold by his brothers and sat in prison was now a powerful figure in the land. 

When the famine hit, Joseph's brothers had been sent by Jacob to Egypt to find some grain, and guess where they ended up? Face-to-face with their brother they'd sold many years back. They didn't recognize him, but Joseph recognized them. As the time passed, Joseph could no longer keep his composure in front of his brothers, particularly after meeting his younger brother that he'd never met, and he revealed to them who he was.

Joseph told his brothers not to be angry with themselves for what they did to him, because through all of the bad he experienced, God was setting him up to preserve the lives of many. He sent them back to his father so they could tell him the news and come back to live near him, in the best parts of the land of Egypt. 

Can you imagine, hearing that your son whom you thought was killed, was not only alive, but was being used by God in powerful ways?

Jacob says to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring." God exceeds his expectations. Completely blows it out of the water.  

Near the end of Genesis, Joseph says to his brothers "You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result- the survival of many people." Who would've seen that coming? Only God. What seemed terrible at the time, in the end, was turned around for so much goodness. 

That's the thing that's both hard to grasp and amazing at the same time. Sometimes we go through hard times, sometimes we experience things that don't make an ounce of sense, and we can't see clearly how or when God will move in the situation. Sometimes it seems completely hopeless. Never deem anything impossible though, because with God, nothing is impossible. Remember the story of Joseph. 

Whenever I'm walking through something, no matter how good or bad it is, I remember that it's not about me.. It doesn't have to make sense to me. It's not about what I want, about what I think is best.. it's about what He's doing behind the scenes that I might not be able to see yet, about how God wants to use me and my life to bring Him glory. 

I know that wherever He leads me, whatever each day brings, that it's for reasons that I might not ever know on this side of heaven, but that He is crafting perfectly for His good and so I just have to trust Him. Sometimes kicking or dragging my feet, but putting all of my trust in His goodness and faithfulness. So yes, there will be times in life where we're disappointed, hurt, dealing with fears and anxieties, but hold tight.. He's working it for your good.

No, it might not match your timetable. No, it might not look anything like you expected. No, it might not be easy. There will be days you feel like you have zero strength, you're tired and weary, but don't lose hope. It might seem bad and uncertain now, but it will work together for your good, and it'll be far more than you ever imagined. Imagine how Jacob felt after learning his son was indeed alive. He has great plans for you. 

I've been listening to this song a lot lately.. and this part is my favorite: 
"But there will be days when you lose your faith
And there will be nights when you give up hope
Disappointment and pain, and you'll flirt with the shame
So you call me from the end of your rope
And I'll give you whatever I have
But there's only one thing you'll need
And that's love, I'll give you my love"

He'll give us His love. He wants the best for us, and He'll give us everything that we need. Have faith, hope, and love. Repeat. 

Wherever you're at right now, He's working the things in your life for the good. Keep stepping and keep repeating it until you believe it. Good things are ahead.