Turning Trials into Triumph: A Reflection on Genesis 50:20
Hello, beautiful people! Welcome back to another post from FLY (First Love Yahweh). I want to dive into a verse that has been resonating deeply in my heart: Genesis 50:20. It says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This powerful verse is part of Joseph’s story, a man who faced unimaginable hardships yet saw God’s hand in every twist and turn of his life. Today, let's break down this story and explore how it might be speaking into your life right now.
Joseph’s Journey: From Betrayal to Blessing
Joseph was his father Jacob’s favorite son, and this favor sparked intense jealousy among his ten brothers. In a moment of envy, they did the unthinkable—they sold Joseph into slavery. Imagine the betrayal, the pain of being cast aside by your own flesh and blood.
But God wasn’t finished with Joseph. He was sold to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh in Egypt. Recognizing Joseph’s potential, Potiphar put him in charge of his entire household. Just as things seemed to be improving, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of assaulting her, landing him in prison.
Even in prison, Joseph didn’t lose hope. God’s favor was still with him, and when Pharaoh began having troubling dreams, Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams brought him to Pharaoh’s attention. Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams—predicting a coming famine—led to his promotion to the highest position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. When the famine struck, Joseph’s wisdom saved countless lives, including those of his brothers who had once betrayed him.
When they came to Egypt seeking food, their shock must have been overwhelming upon realizing that Joseph, the brother they had wronged, now held their fate in his hands. But instead of seeking revenge, Joseph offered forgiveness, saying those profound words: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
Finding God’s Purpose in Our Pain
Joseph’s story is a testimony to God’s protection and the unique blessings that only He can provide. It’s a reminder that when God is for you, no one can truly stand against you. What others may mean for harm, God can transform into something good—not just for you, but for all those you encounter.
This story resonates deeply with me, especially when I reflect on my own journey through a painful divorce. In that season, my ex-husband intended to harm me, to strip away everything I held dear. But God, in His infinite wisdom, used that period to reveal to me that He is all I need. The material things I once clung to have lost their significance. Even my beloved car—though I do still love her—has been a tool for God to teach me valuable lessons.
As I rebuild my life, piece by piece, I can feel God’s anointing over my journey. I’ve invited Him into every step, and the discernment, wisdom, strength, and grit I now possess are the results of what was meant to harm me. God has used these challenges to shape my character, preparing me for the work He has called me to do.
A Blessing in Disguise
Before we wrap up, I want to share a story that ties into today’s message. Recently, my car, which I affectionately call Tachella, was in the shop—a situation that seemed more frustrating than anything. I had decided to put her on Turo to build some capital for my business ventures, despite my son Jaedon’s reservations. One morning, I received a call at 4 a.m. with videos showing my car overheating. The renter couldn’t be reached for a while, but eventually, we got in touch, and I had to tow Tachella to the dealership due to a coolant leak.
What started as a frustrating situation turned into an unexpected blessing. While waiting with the tow truck driver for over two hours, we began sharing our stories. This young man, around the same age as Jaedon, spoke of his belief in hard work, faith in God, and his commitment to providing for his family. We inspired one another, and what could have been a moment of irritation became an opportunity to connect and uplift each other.
Conclusion: God’s Greater Purpose
God truly works in mysterious ways. What may appear as harm can be transformed into something good. Our world is filled with brokenness, and God is calling us to reach