Tag: what the enemy meant for evil

What the Enemy Meant for Evil…

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The disciples of Jesus were to know the tragedies of tragedies soon, for it is taught that it was on the Wednesday of Holy Week when our Lord was officially betrayed by one of His own. A disciple, Judas Iscariot, called to walk alongside Him for the past three years, turned on Jesus and sold Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

What the enemy meant for evil, God will turn it for good. We’ve all heard it quoted before, and may have even made it our declaration at times.  It comes from the book of Genesis, where Joseph declares the same thing due to the previous actions of his brothers after they feared retaliation for selling him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28; 50:20).

Little did Joseph’s brothers or Judas know that the pain they would cause would eventually lead to a glorious future. While silver was exchanged from hand to hand, the setup to have a life exchanged for life was underway (compare John 11:50). Joseph was set up to save a people from famine and preserve a posterity for God’s people in this world. Jesus was set up for the saving of souls for all eternity, preserving a people for God’s Kingdom to come.

Rest assured, no matter what the tragedy may be, God always has the final say. In that, it is His plan that will prosper and win. The enemy may come at people in a myriad of ways, but everything must be filtered through the hands and plan of God. Just ask Job (see Job 1-2). In the end, we see God always has the last word in the matter (see Job 42:1-10).

Friend, not many of us are called to carry the burden of Joseph or Job. And none of us will ever know what it is to bear the burden of Jesus. But one thing we can be assured of is that if God had a plan for the pain they experienced, whatever tragedy one may face, God can make the painful produce something advantageous for us as well.

Take time through this Easter Week to remember all the Lord has done to secure your salvation. We are blessed because He was betrayed. We receive new life because His was taken away. And one day, we will rise because HE IS RISEN.

Nobody can flip the script like God can! What the enemy meant for evil, God can work it for our good. Because of what Christ has done for us, our hope for a better future will never be lost.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

More Inspiration:

“When God Turns It Around”

“God Has the Power to Help”

“Confident in God”

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When God Turns It Around

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To appreciate a good turnaround story, you must first appreciate the history behind the story.  For the returning captives, their story is simple, and yet, not so simple.

In a short simple version: they sinned (repeatedly), ignored warnings (often), and as a result they went into captivity to serve their years of their disciplinary sentence.  After the allotted time, they were released to return home and rebuild.  Rebuild their homes, their lives, and their worship.  And so, it came to pass.

The not-so-simple version shows in detail many behind-the-scenes factors that came into play for them to get from point A to point B. 

One fascinating factor was Cyrus himself, who was prophesied by name some 100 years before as the one who would initiate this returning plan before they even went into captivity.  It was his decree, which he gave credit to God, for instructing and supporting the return. 

By and by, they faced setbacks, the authority of the kings was transferred, and enemies consistently interrupted the work, instigating trouble for the people to halt their rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4). 

Even the complacency of the once-captive people who were now experiencing freedom settled in until they were encouraged once again to get on with rebuilding (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1).

And build they did, but of course, this progress once again incited trouble.  So, those who were set on discouraging the work appealed to the now, King Darius, to investigate this matter of rebuilding in hopes of stopping it again as before. 

But God used their unrighteous complaint to propel the work forward in a way quite unexpectantly to the people and enemies alike.  What the enemy meant for evil, God made something good out of it.  He performed a complete turnaround from the enemy’s expectations, as Darius’ response indicates:

“Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” – Ezra 6:6-12

When God does a turnaround, support can be found in unlikely places.  In this story, it was through a pagan king, and eventually, the very enemies that instigated the matter were forced into a position of giving assistance and help to the people.

The king’s command was set, and it would not be altered – they were to leave it alone.  Leave the people alone.  Leave the work alone.  Stop getting in the way and let the house of God be built.

The Bible reminds us, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.  The seasons of adversity, challenge, and change are never a season where God is taken off guard.  When the Lord is on our side, He, being the Sovereign Rule overall –  really think about this point, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? 

They may come.  They may form weapons.  They may hatch plans.  They may try to discourage your efforts.  Ultimately, it is God who will have the last say. 

Enemies can only go as far as He gives them permission (Job 1), and even then, they must stay in the confines of the limits the Lord places upon them.  And if He commands it, as we see in the story above, they could even be forced to further His work whether they like it or not. 

With God on our side, we are never a product of our circumstances.  Circumstances can only tally up so much in our lives, but when the Lord is ready to turn it around, it shall be turned and there is nothing that anyone, anywhere can do about it.

Friends, no matter how discouraging the journey may be toward your turnaround, be encouraged today in the God who is on your side.  Be encouraged that the times and seasons are at His command and disposal.  Be encouraged that whatever you face, this too shall pass because ultimately, our heavenly Father is in charge and when He turns it around, it will be turned around.  

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