God Had A Different Plan
Submitted by Frank Williams
January 13, 2025
Ge 50:20 ...ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good....
At one time or another, we all face hard times. Neither others nor circumstances are in control, though it may seem so. It helps us to grow up a bit as we trust that our loving Lord is the One overseeing the situation.
Joseph learned that. Even when his siblings meant to harm him, he was gracious to them. He knew that through all his difficulties, God was with him. (Gen 39:2; 45:5ff) His brothers meant evil, but God had a different plan.
God allowed Satan to do his worst to godly Job. Yet, we benefit from the lessons of his great trials to this day. Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Satan meant evil to Job, but God had a different plan.
After many years of hardship and servitude in Egypt, God reminds Moses that He had a plan all along for Israel. In the Lord’s timing, He brings about His plan. Ex 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Pharoah meant evil to Israel, but God had a different plan.
Though the Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from the Romans, God’s timetable was a bit different. They had good reason to believe in the King Messiah because of the many prophecies. And He surely will come as King of kings soon, just not yet.
God used the Jews’ rejection, the cruelty of Romans, and the betrayal of Judas to bring to us the hope of eternal life. Jesus was beaten, mocked, and crucified so sinners could escape God’s wrath. The Jews meant evil to Jesus, but God had a different plan.
Paul learned that the unjust treatment he suffered was part of God’s plan to send him to Rome as a witness. Ac 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
If you find yourself in some similar situation like so many others before, be encouraged. Be patient, do right, and wait on the Lord. God has a definite plan.
Consider – Everything God allows does not necessarily please Him, but He uses everything, both good and bad, for His purposes.
