You Meant It for Evil, but God Meant It for Good

Scripture Focus:
“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)

Introduction

Life is full of unexpected turns—betrayal, disappointment, rejection, and even outright evil planned against us. At times, those closest to us can hurt us the most. When faced with such trials, it is natural to feel discouraged or even hopeless. Yet, the story of Joseph in Genesis gives us a powerful perspective: what others may intend for evil, God can sovereignly turn around for His good purposes.

For every believer, this truth is an anchor. The evil plans of men, the schemes of the enemy, and the storms of life do not have the final say. God’s sovereignty ensures that His ultimate plan prevails, even through pain and injustice.

Joseph’s Story: A Portrait of Providence

Joseph’s life is one of the clearest illustrations of this truth. As a young man, Joseph was favored by his father but despised by his brothers. Their jealousy led them to sell him into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37:28). From a human perspective, Joseph’s story seemed tragic: torn from his family, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:17–20), and forgotten in prison by those he helped (Genesis 40:23).

Yet, in every dark chapter, God was working. In slavery, Joseph learned responsibility. In prison, he learned endurance and faithfulness. In Egypt, he learned wisdom and administration. Every injustice was setting the stage for his destiny. Eventually, Joseph rose to become second in command in Egypt, overseeing food distribution during famine and ultimately saving his family and many others from starvation.

When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, instead of revenge, he offered forgiveness with a profound declaration:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

This is the believer’s testimony: no matter what the enemy throws at us, God has the power to turn it around for His glory and our good.

Lessons for Believers

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Evil

Joseph’s story proves that God’s sovereignty is greater than human wickedness. Evil intentions are real, but they are never outside the boundaries of God’s control.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28:
“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.”

“All things” include betrayal, pain, loss, and even our own mistakes. Though others may seek to harm us, God works every detail into His redemptive plan.

2. Trials Prepare Us for Destiny

Every pit and prison in Joseph’s life prepared him for the palace. Without betrayal, he would not have entered Egypt. Without false accusation, he would not have gained the endurance needed for leadership. Without prison, he would not have met the cupbearer, who later opened the door to Pharaoh.

James 1:2–4 encourages us:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

As believers, we are not destroyed by trials; we are refined by them.

3. Forgiveness Releases God’s Plan

When Joseph forgave his brothers, he demonstrated the power of mercy. Holding on to bitterness would have trapped him in the pain of his past, but forgiveness allowed God’s purposes to flow freely.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us:
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Believers are called to forgive, not because the wrongs against us are small, but because God’s grace toward us is great.

4. God Uses Our Pain for the Salvation of Others

Joseph’s suffering was not just about him; it was about saving many lives. Likewise, our trials often become testimonies that encourage others, drawing them closer to God.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says:
“[God] comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Believers’ struggles are never wasted; they become vessels of hope for others.

5. Evil Does Not Define the End

The enemy may plot evil, but only God determines the conclusion. The cross of Jesus Christ is the greatest example. Men conspired to crucify Him, the enemy rejoiced at His death, but God turned the cross into the greatest victory: salvation for the world.

Acts 2:23–24 explains:
“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.”

The cross proves that even the darkest evil can be transformed into the greatest good.

Application for Believers Today

Trust God in Every Circumstance. When life seems unfair, remember Joseph’s journey. What appears as a setback may be God’s setup.
Refuse to Be Bitter. Bitterness blinds us to God’s goodness. Forgive those who wrong you, as Joseph forgave his brothers.
Hold On to God’s Promises. Like Joseph, who held to his dreams, cling to God’s Word even when your reality contradicts it.
Look Beyond Yourself. Understand that your struggles may serve as deliverance for others. Your pain could be someone else’s hope.
See with Kingdom Eyes. Do not judge situations only by what you see. Remember that God is weaving all things together for a greater good.

Conclusion

As a believer, you may be walking through betrayal, rejection, or hardship. Perhaps people have spoken against you, plotted evil, or mistreated you. Remember Joseph’s words: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”

God is still sovereign. He specializes in turning ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:3), mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11), and defeat into victory. What was meant to destroy you will elevate you. What was meant to silence you will amplify your testimony.

Stay faithful. Trust Him in the process. Forgive freely. For in the end, God’s good purpose will prevail, and your life will become a testimony to His power and grace.

A Prayer for Believers

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the God who turns evil into good. I surrender my pain, my disappointments, and my trials into Your hands. Teach me to trust Your plan even when I do not understand. Help me to forgive those who wrong me, just as You have forgiven me. May my life be a testimony that brings glory to Your name and hope to others. I believe that what was meant for evil, You are turning for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.