November devotion
What some intend for bad God can use for good!!
What some intend for bad God can use for good!!
How do you cope when a tragedy happens?
When problems occur around the globe, in your community, in your church or in your family?
History and the Bible remind us that problems and issues, even terrible things will occur throughout our life. In fact, that is the very reason Jesus came to earth: we live in a messed up and sin-infected world. But He didn’t come to earth to tell us off, to give us 10 steps to get out of the mess, or to primarily teach us how to be better. Instead, he came to point us toward and make possible for us a new future, a future where, as Revelation 21 reminds us, there will be no more pain, suffering, death, sin or crying….
One of those transforming times in my life was when I was going through some major challenges, and at the same time reading the story of Joseph and His family (you can read the whole story in Genesis 37-50). A major part of the story is that Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and he ended up being the second most important (man?) in Egypt which enabled him to care for people during their difficulties, including the very brothers who had sold him into slavery. When his brothers were afraid that Joseph might punish them for what they had done to him his reply was, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:19-20)
This story and particularly this passage helped me to focus not on the bad that was happening but how God may use difficult circumstances for good and even to help people in these difficulties. This is not about overlooking the bad that is happening, but also looking to see what God might be doing in response to the bad. So now whenever I experience a difficulty I look for the good God is doing through others, His word and His church and I encourage you to do the same. And then thank God for the good you see amongst the troubles and mess.
This is exactly why Jesus is so important for us; because when God sees the mess and trouble we are in, including trouble we may have caused, He reminds us he has given us Jesus to save and not condemn us. (see John 3:16-17)
I pray that as you encounter challenges and difficulties you remember God is with you through these troubles, and amongst these troubles God is doing good. Ultimately these troubles will not last forever because God delivers on his promises….
Living the faith
How might you help someone who is burdened by troubles to see that God still loves them and is doing good amongst their troubles?
Bishop Richard Schwedes
Sydney, NSW
November 2025
