God Meant It Unto Good

God Meant It Unto Good (Genesis 5:20)

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I have shared with you that over the years I have made notations in my Bible and various devotional books that are reminders of difficulties, blessings, trials, and God's provision. They are those benchmarks of God's faithfulness that help us through difficult times.

On 6/10/03 there is a name of a dear friend listed in the margin of Streams in the Desert. I remember why his name is there. He was struggling in his personal life and had to be asked to step down from serving the Lord at America's KESWICK. Is has been a rough six years for him and his family. Praise God that he came back to the Colony of Mercy this week.

There was a poem that was attached to the reading for that day ... I know many people right now who are in that "why" mode. May this minister to you as it did to me in 2003:

"God meant it unto good" -- O blest assurance,
Falling like sunshine all across life's way,
Touching with Heaven's gold, earth's darkest storm clouds,
Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

'Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brothers
Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;
Nor was it chance that, after years of suffering,
Brought him before the Pharaoh's throne to stand.

One Eye-all-seeing saw the need of thousands,
And planned to meet it through that one lone soul;
And through the weary days of prison bondage
Was working toward the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive,
The iron entered even to his soul;
His eye could scan the present path of sorrow,
Not yet his gaze might rest up in the whole.

Faith failed not through those long, dark days of waiting,
His trust in God was reimbursed at last,
The moments came when God led forth His servant,
To comfort many, all his sufferings past.

"It was not you but God, that led me to here,"
Witnessed triumphant faith in later days;
"God meant it unto good," no other reason
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

"God means it unto good" for you, beloved,
The God of Joseph is the same today;
His love permits afflictions, strange and bitter,
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

Your Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,
Has purposes for you of love untold,
Then place your hand in His and follow fearless,
Till you the riches of His grace behold.

Then, when you stand firm in the Home of glory,
And all life's paths lie open to your gaze,
Your eyes will SEE the hand that you're now trusting,
And magnify His love through endless days. -- Freda Hanbury Allen

I trust that this will minister to those of you who are in the midst of circumstances that make no sense -- God meant it unto good! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42

Great Quote: A saying I heard years ago: 'It doesn't matter what you do. Just do something, even if it's wrong!' That's the most stupid counsel I've ever heard. Never do what's wrong! Do nothing until it's right. Then do it with all your might. That's wise counsel. Charles (Chuck) Swindoll