You intended to harm me

I don’t think I’m the only one wondering about God’s plan and design in allowing an evil one to be ruler of this world.  As I look at the atrocities committed against innocent women and children, and the devastating effects of war and global poverty, I question how the devil could ever be part of God’s big picture. While I don’t have an answer for this, I am reminded of God’s promise to all of us, spoken through Joseph in the courts of Egypt:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

That, I believe, is what we can say in the face of the devil’s evil, destructive ways.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

When we’re faced with temptation yet again, we can stand firmly and proclaim:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

When the trials of life try to pull us away from the very source and giver of life:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

Today as you stand in confident opposition to the frustrations and challenges of life, no matter what they are, listen to the story behind this favorite hymn.  It declares every time it is sung or played:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.