Page 5 - Good News August 2017 paper

oseph's brothers were his brothers the assurance that I was sexually, mentally, and resentment, and unforgiveness
afraid that he would never he had forgiven their wrong- emotionally abused for many I felt towards the people who
Jforgive them for wanting doing. They may have meant to years during my childhood. This hurt me.
him dead and for selling him do evil against him, but GOD was certainly a terrible thing to
into slavery. meant it for good! happen to a child, and it was When we have been hurt, it is
definitely a work of Satan, but important not to let the pain go
In Genesis 50:20-21, we read: It is amazing how many times GOD has worked it out for good. on and on by having a bitter
"As for you, you meant evil Satan will set a trap for us, My mess has become my attitude. We hurt only ourselves
against me, but God meant it for meaning it for our harm and message; my misery has when we hate people. We would
good in order to bring about this destruction. But when GOD gets become my ministry, and I am not waste our time hating
present outcome, that many involved, He takes what Satan using the experience I gained people if we realized that they
people would be kept alive [as meant to destroy us and turns it from my pain to help multitudes are probably enjoying their
they are this day]. so that it works for our good of others who are hurting. lives and are not the least
So now, do not be afraid; I will instead. Nobody else can make concerned with how we feel
provide for you and support you things work out that way, but I encourage you not to waste about them. Remember, GOD is
and your little ones. So he GOD can! He can take any your pain. GOD will use it if you our Vindicator, and HE will bring
comforted them [giving them negative situation, and through give it to Him. He has given me good out of what the enemy
encouragement and hope] and His miracle-working power use beauty for ashes, just as He has intended for evil!
spoke [with kindness] to their it to make us stronger and more promised in Isaiah 61:3, but I
hearts." dangerous to the enemy than had to let go of the ashes. I had [The Everyday Life Bible, Notes
we would have been without it. to learn to have a good attitude, and Commentary by Joyce
We see that Joseph had a good just as Joseph did. I had to learn Meyer, Faith Words, New York,
and loving attitude as he gave My own situation bears this out. to let go of the bitterness, Boston, Nashville, 2006].