“Providence includes using the negative to produce a positive.”- Dr. Tony Evans
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”- Genesis 50:20 (NASB)
In Chapter 12 (“The Perfection of Detours”) of Detours, Dr. Tony Evans concentrates on the word meant. The past participle of “to mean,” meant can be defined as “to intend for a particular purpose and destination.”
Joseph’s brothers meant evil toward him, However, as Genesis 50:20 indicates, God meant something entirely different. But God– two very powerful words. As Dr. Evans notes, we need to pay attention when we come across “but God” in Scripture. For what comes next usually changes the entire situation. Especially when “meant” gets added.
Therefore, when we think about God working things out for our good, that includes working directly in the negative thing. Dr. Evans explains:
“He redeems the bad intentions of someone who may have hurt you on purpose by intervening in you to twist that thing to work for your good.” Dr. Evans continues, “He can even use someone who means you harm to take you, mold you, develop you, strengthen you, or redirect you to your purpose and destiny.”
God brings harmony to discord and turns a disappointment into a destiny. Yet, God cares about more than our circumstantial deliverance. He’s concerned about our spiritual development.
In conclusion, Dr. Evans describes what happens when you understand providence:
” . . . you start looking to see what God is doing. . . . opening your eyes to see where He is moving. You start operating on a different level of understanding when you observe the patterns of God’s providential maneuvering.”
Today’s question: How is God using the negative to produce a positive in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “I didn’t sign up for this”
