Have you ever felt beaten down, deeply discouraged, and pushed to your last breath as if the entire world seems to be against you? Joseph, from the Old Testament, knows exactly how you feel. He was a hard-working son and loyal brother to his family, yet being so full of jealousy and bitterness towards him, his very own brothers beat him up, threw him into a hole in the ground, and then sold him. Talk about feeling deeply discouraged and beaten down. Even though Joseph clearly wasn’t perfect, he surely did not deserve the evil the was poured onto him; but nothing ever occurs that has not already passed through God’s hands. Joseph did not go unseen by his Heavenly Father; God had a plan.

During years of struggle, and hardship, God was shaping and preparing Joseph for something big. Over 23 years, he learned, trusted God, and leaned in close to God’s guidance. Joseph became highly favored by the Pharaoh and eventually became the ruler of Egypt. A man who was once overcome by evil, and sold into slavery, had been lifted to a seat of honor and leadership. God didn’t take His eye off of Joseph; He saw all of the evil inflicted on him and decided to make it good and beautiful.

Ever since Adam and Eve sank their teeth into that apple, there has been evil and sin in the world. As followers of Christ, we should not be surprised when Satan uses evil to attempt to wreck and destroy us in his efforts to tear us away from God. During the days and seasons when we feel beaten down and destroyed, weary, discouraged, and feel like throwing in the towel, remember Joseph. When his brothers sold him into slavery, he had no idea that one day God would give him a place of leadership and honor.

God turns the evil that is plotted against you into a beautiful plan for your life that brings God more glory and honor than you could ever imagine. Ask God for strength and seek Him out even in your darkest hours. He has a plan for you and it is good!