“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

We may recall the story of Joseph, the next youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament.  Out of jealousy, his older brothers sold him into slavery to some merchants traveling to Egypt. Through a series of circumstances, Joseph is later appointed by the King of Egypt to govern the country during a time of famine which saved both Egypt and Jacob’s family from starvation.  The brothers were fearful that Joseph would now take revenge on them, but Joseph makes the above statement that while the brothers intended to harm him, God used it to bring about a larger good.  The following story has a similar result. 

Bob and Steve were partners in a newly formed company to provide specialized insurance products and services.  After the company had operated for a period of time, Bob and other partners realized that the company was not being operated in a totally ethical way.  Bob withdrew from the venture and lost a good deal of money.   

Later Bob read that Steve had been convicted of embezzlement in another matter and sent to prison. Even though Bob was angry with Steve for the money he lost in their venture, he sensed that the Lord was asking him to visit Steve in prison.  Bob’s first reaction was, “No Way! Why should I be compassionate and forgiving to this man?” The Lord’s prompting continued.  Bob was obedient to the Lord’s request.   

When Bob walked into the visitor’s area, Steve was shocked. Tears started to well up in his eyes. Steve couldn’t believe that someone he had harmed would want anything to do with him. Bob prayed with Steve, gave him a Bible and encouraged him to embrace an intimate relationship with Jesus.

When Steve was released from prison, Bob was there again to help him get back on his feet.  Steve’s mistake cost him his marriage, access to his children, two homes, all his possessions and the majority of his friends. As part of Bob’s continued commitment, he encouraged Steve to attend a Christians in Commerce retreat. That retreat transformed Steve, introduced him to daily prayer, accountability with other Christian men and encouraged him to become the man God had created him to be.

Steve eventually repaid all those who lost money through his prior actions. He regained his integrity, and became a powerful witness for Jesus Christ and his redeeming acts of love.  Steve died a few years later with his former wife and children at his side.  God took a bad situation and led Bob to forgiveness and Steve to new life – consequences that neither of them would have anticipated.

Is there a situation in your life that God could transform for good to serve his larger purpose?