If God is for us, who can stand against us?

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

Some days it feels like the world and the people in it are trying to strip you of everything you have and everything you have worked hard for.  There are times it seems that others have all the control; even with things in our own lives.  You can do all that you think you're supposed to, treat people the way you want to be treated and give of yourself as much as you can. Yet it still seems like things just aren't working out for you or at least not the way you planned them to.

Genesis 50:20 speaks on Joseph; his brothers plotted to kill him, but instead out of guilt sold him into slavery. As a result he was accused of things he didn't do and imprisoned, but it didn’t end there. Joseph had great faith and never took his eyes or focus off of his Heavenly Father.  Through his own brothers' treachery and deceit he became a Prime Minister who was highly favored, loved and greatly prospered. He became a ruler of many and so much was given to him by God. Many lives were saved because of his unwavering faith and belief in God. 

           

This verse can speak volumes to all our lives too.  There are many things our enemies do in an attempt to harm us; to destroy us and see us fall, but through our trust and faith in God it can all turn out for the good.  As a result of our steadfastness and focus on God many people can see us going through something and want to know how we made it through.  Our struggle and victory through Christ, while transforming us for God's kingdom, can also turn someone else's life around. 

Romans 8:28 (NLT) ²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

This scripture tells us that no matter what happens, no matter what the enemy does, if we keep our eyes focused on God, He will bring us out in victory.  Trust me when I tell you this is not always easy.  I know that through our human eyes sometimes it can look like the enemy is winning and everything is turning out for their good…and sometimes even at our expense.  This can be so frustrating and disheartening that it causes us to give up hope, stumble and sometimes even fall, but take heart because God is always working on our behalf.  Often times He is working in ways we may not see with the human eye, but He is not like man and is faithful and true to His word!

It doesn't matter what people do or what this world throws at you, through Christ it is always defeated.  When we truly love God and have a desire and intent to follow His will there is nothing the enemy can do to sabotage or destroy it, so we can't give up and we can't loose faith.  We must stay steadfast in the Lord because if our God is for us than who can be against us!!