“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28
If God truly is all wise, then he knows not only the present but also the future. And if God truly is love, then he could allow awful things to happen because he foresees that in the long run more people will be better off than if he had miraculously intervened and prevented those things from happening.
God has shown how this can work in the Old Testament. Joseph was tricked by his jealous brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and ended up alone and forgotten in prison. These things certainly were evil, and God could have intervened along the way. Instead, he brought good out of these things by using them to bring Joseph to a place of leadership under the Pharaoh, through which he was able to protect, feed, and ultimately save Joseph’s family during a severe famine (Gen. 37–50).
Joseph later explained to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20).
God did this in a much greater way by taking the very worst thing that has ever happened and turning it into the very best thing that has ever happened—the death of Jesus on the cross. At the time, nobody could see how anything good could come from such a horrific event. But God knew the result would be the opening of heaven to all people who follow him. So the most horrible tragedy in all of history was later seen as the most glorious event of all time.
If it can happen there—if the ultimate evil resulted in the ultimate good—then it can happen elsewhere, including in our own lives. So remember, as you face trials and suffering, when you can’t imagine anything positive emerging, you can trust in the God who brings good from bad. He did it for Joseph, he did it for Jesus, and he can do it for you.
Note…While I believe the above article, I would caution the reader to remember that some believers die. The good brought from the situation does not always rescue the person. Sometimes the ultimate good is entrance to Heaven. Those of us left behind may struggle with the loss and grief. But if we trust God, even in our lives, God can work good through the situation.
Excerpted From The Case for Christianity Answer Book by Lee Strobel