When Bad Things Happen To Good People

In this fallen world, bad things can happen to innocent people. It’s hard for our brains and hearts to process it. In Genesis 30-50 we learn the story of Joseph and how evil served up injustice to him. God did intervene to spare his life because killing Joseph went against Gods plan. He did not however, completely stop all the injustice from happening, because this is a fallen world. God was with Joseph every step of the way. Joseph made the choice to lean in to God and trust Him instead of leaning in to the darkness and being bitter. His faithfulness and trust in God brought blessings in the midst of the injustice. God worked in the situation and because Joseph trusted God, God brought blessings to Joseph and his family, along with provision, forgiveness, redemption and restoration. Sometimes bad things happen to innocent people. That doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us. When something bad happens because of the evil in this world, God can heal, redeem and restore us, if we lean in to Him, instead of leaning in to the darkness that brought it about. In Isaiah 61:3 the Bible tells us God can make beauty from ashes. He raised up Joseph to a place of authority in the country. It reminds me of Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Joseph’s life DEFINITELY did not turn out the way evil planned for it to! What altered the course for Joseph, can alter anyone’s course. Don’t let evil win. Choose to trust Gods love, faithfulness and ability to bring beauty from whatever situation you find yourself in.

Isaiah 49:23b-25 “Those Who wait for me shall not be put to shame. Can the prey be taken from the mighty or the captives of a tyrant rescued? For thus saith the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken back and the prey of the tyrants rescued. For I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.”