Both God and Stan Have a Plan for You
Most of us will readily embrace the fact that God has a plan for our lives. In fact, we rejoice over Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” . But let's not kid ourselves, Satan has a plan for us as well.
Why would God allow people to be hurt by others, especially those who are going about their business normally? Why would God allow anyone to experience the deep pain that is associated with being hurt by someone we trust? Why would this happen to someone who is seeking to do His will? One of the best answers to these questions is found in scripture in the life of Joseph, told in the book of Genesis.
Joseph’s brothers dealt him an evil hand. Joseph himself said so in Genesis 50:20 11 — “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”. So, while Satan was using Joseph’s brothers to execute his plan against Joseph, God was working out His plan in Joseph’s life. Both Satan and God had a plan for Joseph, and it is no different for you.
What did Joseph suffer directly and indirectly at the hands of his brothers?
Thrown in a pit (Genesis 37:24).
Sold to the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:27).
Accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:6-18)
False imprisonment (Genesis 39:20)
How did God navigate everything that happened to Joseph to work out His plan?
Thrown in a pit instead of being killed by his brothers.
Sold to the Ishmaelites.
Sold to Potiphar.
Thrown in jail where he then had the opportunity to interpret a dream for one the Pharaoh's butler and baker.
Interpreted Pharaoh's dream and advised Pharaoh on how he could address the problem the dream predicted.
Pharaoh discerned Joseph’s wisdom; put him in charge of all the lands of Egypt.
Joseph’s brothers had a plan, but God had a plan that was well beyond theirs. Note that in all the injustice Joseph endured, the favor of God was upon him. The Lord was with him. His ways pleased the Lord.
Genesis 39:2 — And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
The Lord has a plan for you too. Whatever the devil means for evil against you, God can turn it around to work for you good, and not just your good but for the good of many as we see with joseph. You may never know why you go through what you go through, but in the midst of the injustice, like Joseph, make sure your ways please the Lord so that the Lord can be with you.
God has a plan for you and His plan is far superior to that of Satan.
This topic is covered in detail in chapter 3 of THE HIGH CALL OF FORGIVENESS.
Chapter title is BUT GOD HAS A PLAN.
