“You intended to harm me; but God turned it into good” (Genesis 50:20).
These words of Joseph of Egypt reflect a profound truth about the way God works in the world. Divine providence often takes unexpected forms, and faith sometimes seems to be in crisis when, in reality, it is only being transformed. God may, for a moment, appear to favor those who openly disobey His will, allowing them to advance and prosper while the righteous face difficulties. But this is the test of faith: to continue trusting even when the situation makes no sense.
The faithful servant must understand that God can bring about good even through the wicked and that, many times, the efforts of those who do not follow God’s Law seem to be more successful. However, the faithful should not resist what God allows, lest they find themselves fighting against the very will of the Lord. Just as the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son erred by resenting the Father’s mercy, the obedient should not give in to bitterness or doubt when they see the disobedient prospering for a time. The correct response is to remain steadfast, clinging to the holy Law of God without hesitation.
Faithfulness to God does not depend on external circumstances. Whoever loves the Lord enough to obey His commandments, even when it seems they are the only one doing so, can be sure they are secure. No enemy, whether human or spiritual, can touch those whom God keeps in His heart. The obedient occupy a special place before God, for their faithfulness proves they trust more in the Word of the Lord than in what they see around them. In due time, God will reverse all apparent injustices, and faithfulness will be rewarded with eternal blessings. -Adapted from H. Newman. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, it is true that many times Your providence takes unexpected forms, and I do not always understand Your ways. But I want to trust fully in You, knowing that You turn all evil into good for those who obey You. Teach me to keep my faith firm, even when circumstances seem unfavorable, for I know that You are sovereign over all things.
My Father, today I ask You to guard my heart against doubt and bitterness. I know that, many times, those who do not follow Your commandments seem to prosper, while the faithful face difficulties. But I do not want to measure life by human standards; I want to see with the eyes of faith. Give me patience and perseverance to continue clinging to Your holy Law without hesitation, for I know that in Your time all injustice will be reversed. Strengthen me so that I may never resist what You allow, but trust that Your will is perfect and that everything is under Your control.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because You are just and faithful to those who love and obey You. Thank You because no enemy can touch those who are kept in Your heart. I know that faithfulness to You is never in vain and that, in due time, You will reward those who have remained steadfast. May my life be a testimony of trust and obedience, so that I may one day enjoy the eternal blessings You have reserved for Your faithful in Christ Jesus. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is my wall against the hosts of evil. I love Your commandments, for they are like the sun that warms and illuminates the corners of my soul. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.