When Evil Plots, God Prevails
“What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good” is a continual theme woven throughout Scripture, and it’s no different today as we navigate the everyday affairs of life as followers of Christ. That truth brings great comfort to me.
This concept first appears in the story of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and later thrown into prison, Joseph spent thirteen long years in what looked like a plot designed to destroy him—to erase him long before the idea of “canceling” someone even existed. Hate thought it had won.
But what Joseph’s brothers never factored into their plan was this: God is the Author and Finisher of His own purposes, and He can even use the decisions of evil men to secure His sovereign will.
As the story unfolds, despite years of hardship, Joseph is suddenly elevated to second-in-command over all Egypt. Then comes the dramatic twist—the very brothers who betrayed him bow before him, seeking food to survive a famine. When Joseph reveals his identity, they fear for their lives. But his response is one of the most stunning proclamations of God’s sovereignty in all of Scripture:
“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)
BOOM.
This isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a guiding principle for my life. It’s the lens through which I understand my world.
Nearly 27% of the Bible is prophetic, and between 80–90% of Old Testament prophecies have already been fulfilled. To appreciate the magnitude of the Bible’s accuracy, consider Caesar Augustus’ census. It stands as a remarkable example of God using global events—and even pagan rulers—to fulfill His Word exactly as He promised.
Luke tells us:
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that all the world should be registered… And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.” (Luke 2:1–4)
How does a governmental decree fulfill prophecy? Hundreds of years earlier, Micah declared:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come for Me One who will be ruler over Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
But Joseph and Mary lived 70 miles away in Nazareth. Humanly speaking, they had no reason to be in Bethlehem. Yet God moved the most powerful man in the world to move a couple at exactly the right moment to fulfill giving birth to the Messiah.
If God can orchestrate that, what can’t He orchestrate in our lives?
So, let me ask you: What moment in time are you living in right now?
Do you fear the times, or does your knowledge of Scripture remind you that you were born at the right time?
Yes, it’s daunting to watch immorality captivate our culture. But we are living in the church age—a distinct period on God’s prophetic timeline. Our calling hasn’t changed: be salt, be light, don’t grow weary, and don’t lose hope.
God is still on the throne.
What He has written will come to pass—including every event happening in our world today, and His work in every tribe, tongue, and nation.
So, rest in the reliability of His Word.
Seek to know Him more personally.
And allow the Christ within you to be the Christmas that shines through your life all year long.
