GOD WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD
The Bible shows that God allowed some people to experienced pain and suffering for his good purpose. Some today who have experienced sickness, financial and other hardships, and even loss of loved ones, question the goodness and ability of God. However, the Bible says, God is good to all, and works all things together for good for those who love the Lord, (Matthew 5:45; Romans 8:28). And the Lord said, there is nothing impossible for God to do (Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 18:27).
A CASE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT OF GOD WORKING ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD
JOSEPH, A BELIEVER IN GOD, WAS SOLD INTO SLAVERY BY HIS BROTHERS
Joseph, had eleven brother who were jealous of him because their father, Jacob, loved him most. They sold Joseph into slavery, but told their father he was killed by a wild animal. Jacob mourned much for his son (Genesis 37:11-35).
IN EGYPT, JOSEPH WAS FALSELY ACCUSED AND PUT IN PRISON
Joseph ended up an Egypt and became the servant of an Egyptian official. However, the wife of the official wanted to go to bed with Joseph. When he refused, she falsely accused him of trying to rape her. As a result, Joseph was put in prison (Genesis 39).
The Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker were imprisoned with Joseph. They had dreams which Joseph accurately interpreted for them. According to Joseph’s interpretations the baker would be hanged; but the butler would be reinstated to his former position (Genesis 40).
GOD ALLOW HIM TO INTERPRET A DREAM FOR PHARAOH AND WAS ELEVATED TO POWER
When the Pharaoh had a dream of seven fat and seven lean cows which no one could interpret, the reinstated butler told him about Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh. Joseph let Pharaoh know he could interpret dreams, but his God could. God interpreted the dream as meaning there would be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Because Joseph report of God’s interpretation, Pharaoh made Joseph second in command of all Egypt. With his God-given wisdom, Joseph stored up food in the years of plenty to feed the people in the years of famine (Genesis 41).
GOD WORKED ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR JOSEPH AND MANY OTHERS
The famine spread to the land where Joseph’s family lived. Joseph’s father, sent his sons (except for his youngest son, Benjamin) to Egypt to purchase food. When the bothers who had sold Joseph into slavery came to him to purchase food, they did not recognize Joseph; but he recognized them. However, Joseph made several maneuvers before making himself known to them. Later, Joseph sent for his whole family to come to Egypt to live with him so he could take care of them. (Genesis 43-45).
After their father died, the brothers who sold Joseph into slavery feared Joseph would take revenge on them. But Joseph told them: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
GOD’S GREATEST WORK OF LOVE AND GOODNESS FOR ALL THE WORLD WAS REVEALED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, was crucified by earthly authorities because they felt he was a threat to their powers (Matthew 27:18). But Jesus told authorities who believed they had the power to take his life, “you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11). Jesus knew that God “rules over nations” and “there is no authority except from God” ( Psalm 22:2; Romans 13:1).
God allowed his only begotten Son to come into the world and be crucified because he loves us. Jesus came to heal our pain and suffering (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17). He died on a cross as an atonement for our sins ( Isaiah 53:5-7; John 3:16): His death paid the price to justified those who repent and believe in his atonement (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Acts 2:38). Those whom he justified were saved from the deadly consequence of sin, which is being condemned to eternal death and separation from God ( John 3:16-18).
The Lord not only saved from sins, he healed all manner sicknesses. The Scripture show that he went around doing good and healing all kinds of disease sickness, and all who were oppressed of the devil (Matthew 4:23; Acts 10:38).
TODAY GOD IS CONTINUING TO WORK ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD
God said he is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrew 13:8). The sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ continues to atones for our sins and guarantees eternal life to whoever repents and trusts in him as their Savior and Lord (John 3:16; Acts 2:38). He helps us with our trials and heals our diseases. For he is able to understand our tests and trials because he experienced trials and suffered just like we do, but without sinning or ceasing to trust God. As our merciful high priest and mediator between us and God, he is able to empathize with us and help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15).
Through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, God is able to work all things together for our good. He promises if we pray and obey him, he will work all things together for our good, and will heal our troubled land. (Romans 8:28; 2 Chronicles 7:14).
