There is in the Bible a story about Joseph, who was left to die in a pit by his brothers, who were jealous of his status as favorite son. Instead, he was rescued by a passing caravan and sold into slavery in Egypt. Over many years, Joseph won his way out of slavery into the second highest position in the land, as chief administrator for the Pharaoh.
During a famine where Joseph’s father and brothers lived, his father sent the brothers into Egypt to buy grain. There they discovered Joseph, in a position of highest authority, able to grant them food or let them starve.
Joseph told them not to be afraid of him, for, he said, “You meant it unto me for evil, but God meant it to me for good.”
In non-theological terms, in my own life, I have seen that unwelcome experiences have turned out to be good for me. What is hard is letting go of what I want so that I can see the good that is there.
Now I’m awaiting the return of my hard drive, when Ernie will put the computer together and I will have to figure out what is required next to get it back into functioning order. I’m telling myself, “I can do it. I can do it.” But it will probably mean more draining, difficult phone calls to India.
Thanks for all the encouraging comments.
Jo, that line about “what you meant for evil, God meant for good” is one of my minister’s favorites. It’s a comforting thought. No matter what the intentions of those who mean us harm, God can use it all for good. I hope things start going better for you with your computer. Being cut off is very trying.