The Beautiful Intention
Devotions with Pastor Jason Lim

How does a good God use suffering to accomplish glorious purposes? 

We see from the Bible that God works things together for the good of His people. God used Joseph, who was left for dead by his brothers and innocently imprisoned. But it was no mistake, God's intention was for good, and he used Joseph to save a nation from famine. God used Jesus, who was taken by wicked men and subjected to a mock trial and a cruel death. But it was no mistake, God's intention was for good, and His Son's death bought salvation for mankind.

We often infer that when we suffer, God is somehow impotent. That God is powerless to stop evil. But no! He is sovereign and in a way we do not understand, He is using our accusers and enemies as instruments for a greater good. As Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" 

Today God calls you to trust Him even in your pain, your sorrow or your suffering. There is a beautiful intention behind every circumstance of life. He is working gloriously for your good. Friends as Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "… do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."