“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12
Evil men may take away everything you have, your goods, your health, your freedom, your reputation and even your life. But, if your heart and your head are committed to heaven God can take the evil and make good come from it.
When Joseph’s brothers so mistreated him no one saw that good would come from it. When their father, Jacob, died the eleven brothers said, “Joseph will hate us and requite us all the evil which we did unto him.” (Genesis 50:15) Joseph’s response to them when they came to him seeking forgiveness was, “Fear not…But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:19, 20)
Many people, including the men guarding him, were saved as a result of Paul’s wrongful imprisonment. Also, fellow believers were encouraged to speak the word with boldness when they saw Paul’s courage in the face of persecution.(Philippians 1:13-14) The crucifixion of Christ and the scourging and beatings leading up to the crucifixion have done far more to encourage and inspire believers to “keep on keeping on,” and to stand steadfast, than there would have been if He had not suffered at the hands of wicked men.
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