Encouragement for Today - August 28, 2025

Lysa TerKeurst August 28, 2025

Which Path Will We Choose?
LYSA TERKEURST

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

I’ve quoted the first half of today’s key verse many times: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” But somehow I often miss the part that says “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20).

And if I don’t include that last part, I may mistakenly think this verse simply means God will make good for me what others took from me.

But that’s only partially true.

God absolutely brings about good through all things. However, sometimes we see the good in a global glance more than a personal prize. God is working for good even when we can’t draw straight lines that show certain events are good for us. And how we respond to this truth matters.

Which brings us to the story of Joseph, the speaker of Genesis 50:20. How did Joseph arrive at this perspective on God's goodness? Let’s trace it back — because Joseph certainly had a life of extreme highs and lows.

First, Joseph's brothers got offended by their father's favoritism toward him. They allowed that offense to grow into bitterness, envy, anger, and hatred, which propelled them to do the unthinkable: They planned to kill Joseph. But instead, they threw him in a pit and decided to sell him as a slave in Egypt (Genesis 37:17-28).

Afterward, through years of heartbreak and confusion, Joseph stayed close to God. And God’s favor was on him (Genesis 39:2; Genesis 39:21). Eventually he landed in a position of great power in Egypt. When famine hit, Joseph was able to steward the food supply because of his position.

The famine caused his brothers to travel to Egypt looking for food, and Joseph had a choice: force them to pay for what they had done to him … or forgive them.

He chose forgiveness, which is where we find our key verse: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

How could you be thrown into a pit by your family and sold into slavery without wondering if any good could ever come of your story? Surely Joseph wondered.

But God had a plan. The brothers’ betrayal was not the end of Joseph’s story. From pit to palace, Joseph was positioned to save his family, who would become the nation of Israel. His declaration in Genesis 50:20 is a beautiful picture of redemption and hope.

The Lord has a plan for your life, too, friend. And you also have a choice between forgiveness and offense. Which path will you choose?

Let’s remember this: Our job is to be obedient to God. God’s job is everything else.

Father God, I confess that all too often I struggle to see the good in situations unless the good applies directly to me. Help me to look beyond myself and respond in a way that honors You, recognizing that greater good can come from circumstances that don’t appear good at first glance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

You just got a sneak peek of Lysa TerKeurst’s teaching in our upcoming First 5 study, 30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know!

If Lysa’s devotion encouraged you, her words are just a glimpse of the heart behind 30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know — our newest First 5 devotional study. This study was prayerfully created to help you carry Scripture into your real, everyday moments — and we’d love for you to experience it alongside someone else in your life. When you give a 10-year anniversary gift, we’ll send you two copies as a thank-you: one to keep and one to share. Because God’s Word is too good to keep to ourselves. Give an anniversary gift now!