Out of Our Hands

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech near my Norfolk, Virginia, hometown a few years after his well-known 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. Even though I was only in elementary school, it’s still a vivid memory. My older sister and I had to pack our suitcases and stay at our grandparents’ home in the “country,” where we got to walk the “cow path” with our grandfather from one pasture to another and help him feed the cows, pigs, and goats. We loved it and weren't aware of the fear back home that motivated our parents to give us such a great trip. Unbeknownst to us, during that time, many of our friends’ families made sure their doors were locked and everyone stayed home. 

MLK’s visits often ignited civil unrest despite his powerful pleas for peaceful demonstrations in his courageous fight for equality and justice. Unfortunately, many people hated the changes he fought so hard for, which led to his assassination. But God didn’t allow MLK’s passion for what is right to die with him. His supporters continued the uphill fight, and the country eventually passed civil rights laws that protect us from discrimination.

Many biblical stories depict God bringing good from evil. One of my favorites is Joseph’s—despite being betrayed by his brothers (sold as a slave), he remained faithful to and dependent upon Almighty God. His devotion compelled him to deny a sexual advance from his master’s wife, whose false accusations sent Joseph to prison for years. God didn’t allow Joseph’s life or story to end in prison. In fact, Joseph became second in Egypt’s command and saved the country (and his brothers) from famine. He gave all the credit for the incredible reversal to God in Genesis 50:20:

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (NKJV)

As you can see, these stories animate the recurring theme of God’s redemptive power. And Jesus’ life provides the ultimate example.

Jesus, the promised Messiah, God’s only begotten Son, came into the world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and to give us abundant life (John 10:10). His enemies crucified Him on a cross, but Father God didn’t allow that to be the end. He brought Jesus back to life so those who believe in Him can have victory over sin and death, live abundantly, and spend eternity with God when their earthly lives are over. 

What do we see in each of these lives, in addition to the positive results? The outcomes of their faith and obedience to God were out of their hands. The good, the bad, the results—all of it—totally in Father God’s hands. And good came from it.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As we celebrate MLK day and witness the inauguration of our new president, we are keenly aware of the hatred and civil turmoil of this day—just months ago, a shooter attempted to assassinate President Trump. So, like MLK, Joseph, and Jesus, who didn’t allow circumstances or the evil, injustice, and hatred that came against them to change their focus, let’s do the same. Do you love God? Think about your life and its unfortunate events. Search to find the good that God has made from these things. It will strengthen your faith and give you peace.

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Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.