The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. – Proverbs 16:4
An example of today’s verse is God’s use of the actions of Joseph’s brothers to save the family and ultimately the nations of Egypt and Israel. Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery and said the now-famous line, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
If God can use the wicked to accomplish His purpose, how much more can He use a person whose heart is pliable in His hand, as He did with Joseph? You have a purpose on this earth. As you grow in the Lord and step out in faith, He will guide you in the way you should go. God will prepare and equip you for the work He has called you to do. You must follow the path He puts before you.
In your prayer time, ask God to reveal your next moves in carrying out His purpose for your life. Be faithful to take the steps He has given you. At times, you have to set aside certain things in order to do what God calls you to do, whether it is something simple, like writing an encouraging card to a friend, or more complicated, such as going on a mission trip. You make a difference in the prayers you pray, the things you say, and the way you live your life. Pray that God’s purpose and plan will come to pass for each believer in the United States. Pray for government officials that God would use even His enemies in these troublesome times to carry out His purpose for this nation.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 16:4
The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Genesis 50:15-21
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
