TURN YOUR MESS INTO YOUR MESSAGE

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