God will use evil for good

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV

While looking down at my feet yesterday, feet that were still swollen from running the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd (a 100-mile race) over the weekend, I thought back to the moment when this all started. The moment when I went from being a recreational runner to a runner with a purpose—a journey that eventually led to the formation of the Frog Fitness Group Ministry and a path that would allow me to use running to share the Good News of the Gospel. It all began in the summer of 2007 when my then nine-year old son's best friend's dad, Jon Gray, was diagnosed with brain cancer after collapsing on the soccer field where our kids were playing. The family, which included his wife and three other children, was not only devastated by the diagnosis but was hard-pressed to replace the income Jon provided. And that's when I prayed, "Lord, what can I do to help this family?" This prayer led to a meeting with some of our mutual friends which led to the Marathon of Hope... a 26.2 mile benefit run (and my first marathon) that was held on October 20, 2007 and raised enough money to meet the immediate needs of the Gray family. But more importantly, it set into motion a chain of events that might never have happened otherwise. And now, 14 years later, I'm running ultra marathons, writing a Christian blog, the Frog Fitness Group is putting on more than 16 running events every year, and its' members are actively planting seeds within our community and beyond. Is that amazing or what?

And you know what's even more amazing? The same God who used Jon's seemingly bad situation for good has been doing this type of thing for thousands of years. Consider the story of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, and Jacob's first son through his favored wife, Rachel. Joseph’s brothers knew their father loved Joseph the most, which caused them to hate Joseph. To make matters worse, Joseph began relating his dreams to them—prophetic visions showing himself one day ruling over his family. The hatred his brothers had then became so intense that they sold Joseph into slavery where his journey to becoming the ruler of Egypt, second only to the king, began—a position that put him in the right place at the right time to save his family and countless others from starvation when a great drought struck the land. This led Joseph to say, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

So if you’re going through a trying time right now (like most of the world is), hold tight my friend. Pray and be confident that God will use it all for good. Then be patient because it may not happen overnight. It certainly didn't for Joseph or for Jon, but you can be sure that it will... because our God is just so good like that. 

Heavenly Father, You are such an amazing God! All throughout the Bible are stories of how You used evil for good. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of one or those stories Lord. I am honored beyond words. I pray that You would strengthen the hearts of those suffering today by reminding them that You can and will use those things intended to harm us for good. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!