Part 4 | God Will Use It for Good
Genesis 50:18-22 | May 3, 2026
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor – SCBC
1. GOD GIVES PURPOSE TO OUR PAIN.
- A. Genesis 45:3-5 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?”But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
- B. Genesis 50:18-21 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
2. GOD TURNS OUR CHAOS INTO A PLAN.
- A. Jesus told us that all of us have been given two purposes in life: to learn how to love God and love others with a whole heart.
- B. Within those two purposes, God gives to us life assignments to accomplish – visions of what our life within those purposes are designed to accomplish.
3. GOD TRANSFORMS OUR PRESENT PAIN INTO AN AMAZING OUTCOME, IF WE WILL LET HIM.
- A. Even when it is not apparent, God is with me.
- B. God is just as involved and at work in our life today as He was in Joseph’s life then.
- C. The present problem you are going through is not your final outcome. God is involved and He will have the final say in your life.
4. KEEP YOUR INTEGRITY INTACT.
- A. Ephesians 6:7-8 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do…
- B. Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
5. STAY FAITHFUL WHILE YOU WAIT.
At every stage of his life, Joseph chose faithfulness over bitterness, faithfulness over compromise. When he was tempted to only think about himself, he opened himself to care for others. And when the opportunity came to get even, he chose forgiveness. How could he do this? He chose to see that God could see what Joseph and that God was in control.