Defining Moments

Defining Moments

Bible: Genesis 50:15-21

Reading

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

People around the world were stunned by a shooting that left thirty-two random, innocent people dead. The mother of one critically wounded boy who survived said she did not want the horrific event to become the
defining moment in her son’s life. Instead, she hoped it could be “something positive, some great celebration of his life”. She wanted to focus on the fact that he survived, rather than on the attack itself. When terrible things happen to us, it feels impossible to believe that anything good will come from them. We might wonder how we’ll survive with the emotional scars and baggage we’re left with. And we might want to get even somehow.
The life of Joseph offers a powerful picture of God’s life-changing power for these tough times (GENESIS 37-50). The brothers who sold him into slavery were sure he would get his own back (50:15-17). But Joseph told them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (V.20). When we put our need to get even in God’s hands, we can start to live out this amazing life choice: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (ROMANS 12:21). The defining moments of our lives are not decided by the bad things that happen to us, but by our response to them. We can face even the worst events with the love and power of God as we trust His plan for us.

LET DANGER DRIVE YOU TO JESUS.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries