"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant." (Homer)

Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob could have sung a  popular song that says "Hey, won't you play another Somebody done somebody wrong song". But instead he said "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." What do we learn from the story of Joseph? (a) That, when God wants you in a palace nobody can keep you in a pit! (b) That your future is not in the hands of others, it's in the hands of God. (c) That your assignment doesn't require the cooperation of everyone else, but it does require the cooperation of one person - you!

Have others said and done things that wronged you? Joseph's brothers made the wrong decision in resenting him. Potiphar's wife made the wrong decision in falsely accusing him. The butler made the wrong decision in turning his back on him. But God didn't abandon him! Because, "When a person's steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord holds their hand. "Psalm 37:23 (NCV) He arranged every step Joseph took, all the way to the throne. After years apart he now stands face to face with those who hurt him and says: "You intended to harm me; but God intended it for good." Try to understand this: the purposes of God will always overcome the plans of people! No one can prevent God from using you, blessing you and giving you success, except you. So keep your heart and your attitude right!

There's a reason for everything. There's also a season. Though you cannot understand it at the moment, stand on what God's promised you, recall His faithfulness and trust Him to work things out. He can make the wrong decisions of those around you work for your good. Instead of looking for someone to blame, start seeing the hand of God at work in your situation. Remember what the Bible says: "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).