Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Use it for good

"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


Rob Jones, center, a double-amputee retired Marine
While many Americans were celebrating Veterans Day by attending a parade or participating in a memorial 5k, Rob Jones was running his last marathon of the month on the streets outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. You see in early October, this 32-year-old veteran set out to run 31 marathons in 31 days in 31 major cities with the goal of raising $1 million for veterans charities. Of this journey, Rob said, "I’m trying to just get a story out there about a veteran. Went to Afghanistan. Had a traumatic experience. Lost both my legs. But I was still able to come home and find my new way that I was going to contribute to my country and stay in the fight. I just want to get that story out there so people can use it.” And as of early Saturday afternoon, Jones' 812.2-mile run had raised roughly $135,000 for veterans’ groups-but he says there is still much more to be done.

Isn't it amazing how much good can come out of a bad situation when a person is determined to do what they can, where they are, and despite the circumstances that brought them there? Joseph’s story certainly proved that as well. As a young man, he was sold by his brothers into slavery and yet used every difficult circumstance that followed to serve the Lord, eventually leading him to a spot of leadership that allowed him to save the Egyptian people from a seven-year famine that wracked the land. But you can be sure that if Joseph had chosen to wallow in his circumstances and grieve over the "evil" that was done against him instead, he never would have been a part of God's plan to bring "good" out of it. 

Perhaps, because of the "evil" actions of another or something you might have done, you find yourself wondering how good could ever come out of your situation today and are ready to give up? Well let me assure you, like he did for Joseph and so many others, God can and will overrule "evil" to bring about "good" results... if you will simply trust His plan and allow yourself to be used. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many examples in history that clearly show that you delight in bringing good endings out of evil beginnings. Help us to trust your plan when we don't understand it and to be patient and hard-working as you work all things out. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will rise - Jason Gray










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