Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

God Means It for Good

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You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)

After a lengthy bout with despair, severe depression, and suicide attempts, writer and poet William Cowper (1731–1800) discovered comfort in God's providence, which led him to write "Shining out of Darkness":

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

Can you think of instances in your own life, with the advantage of 20-20 hindsight, wherein someone or something meant evil against you, "but God meant it for good"? Thank and praise Him for it—and for His continual providence.