What Does It Mean That God Works All Things for Good?

Published August 19, 2026
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What does it mean when we say that God works all things for good? 

It’s a question that becomes especially important when life doesn’t feel good. 

Joseph knew what that felt like. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. Yet years later, he stood face-to-face with the brothers who had sold him and said: 

"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) 

Joseph’s story reveals something important about God’s sovereignty over evil: He can use what is meant for harm to accomplish His good purposes. 

God’s Intentions Are Good — Even When People’s Intentions Aren’t 

Joseph never pretended what his brothers did was okay. Their intentions were evil, ; yet their evil did not have the final word. 

Repeatedly, what looked like a setback became part of God’s larger purpose. Slavery brought Joseph to Egypt. A false accusation sent him to prison. Prison brought him before Pharaoh. Pharaoh elevated him to national authority, and God used Joseph’s position to save an entire nation from starvation — including the family who had betrayed him. 

The betrayal wasn’t a detour around God’s plan. It became the road God used to accomplish His purposes. 

This doesn’t mean God approved of the evil. It means evil does not have veto power over a sovereign God. 

God’s Presence Reveals His Intentions Toward You 

At every point when it seemed like evil would overtake Joseph, Scripture reminds us, “The Lord was with Joseph.” Each time these words appear, Joseph experiences God’s favor  amid terrible circumstances. 

There is a connection between God’s presence and His intentions toward us: He is with us because He is for us. It’s a promise we see throughout Scripture: 

  • “The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) 
  • “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) 
  • “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10) 
  • “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

And as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

God Doesn’t Waste Your Pain 

God didn’t erase Joseph’s years of suffering. He used them. Those experiences humbled Joseph, deepened his dependence on God, and prepared him for what came next. 

God was with Joseph, and He’s with you, too. The Cross is the ultimate proof that His intentions toward us are good: what appeared to be the greatest defeat became the greatest victory. 

You may not know what God is doing, but you can know He is with you, He is for you, and He is not finished with your story. 

This post is inspired by the first message of Mt. Bethel Church’s sermon series, “God Meant it For Good,” by Dr. Jody Ray.