Daily Devotional

That single conjunctive phrase—but God—is the hinge on which Joseph’s entire life turns. It should be the hinge on which our lives hang, as well.
Joseph began as the favored son, gifted, brilliant, and full of promise. Yet right in his own family, something sinister was brewing. His brothers resented him, not only because of Jacob’s affection, but because Joseph’s own youthful arrogance invited hostility. It reminds us that when, like Joseph, we put ourselves out there as superior we invite attacks. Some of our pain comes from circumstances, some from prejudice, and some—if we are honest—from our own missteps.
But there is another kind of pain: the pain others inflict because of their own fears and failures. Many of us know what it feels like to be targeted not for our faults, but for our gifts, our successes, or simply our presence.
Yet Joseph’s life teaches us that God is never absent in our suffering. Even when others intend harm, God is quietly weaving redemption. Joseph could look back and say, “God meant it for good…to keep many people alive.” His pain became the pathway to purpose.
When our souls look back, we see moments when we should have been crushed, but God carried us. We see times when hostility surrounded us, but God shielded us. We remember seasons when we were misunderstood, mistreated, or marginalized—but God turned it toward blessing.
The ultimate example is Jesus. One day they ganged up on Jesus. They meant Him nothing but harm. But God intended the cross for the redemption of the world. What looked like defeat became everlasting victory. That’s the meaning of Eastertide.
When we look back over our lives—our wounds, our disappointments, our betrayals—remember Joseph’s words. Remember Jesus’ cross. Remember our own story. “What others planned for evil, God used for good.”

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