Day 25

Genesis 49–50 | Mark 11:1–25 | Psalm 11

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph’s words, spoken with the clarity of hindsight, declare God’s sovereignty with boldness. After years of betrayal, hardship, and waiting, Joseph looked back and saw how God turned what others intended for harm into a means of redemption—for his family and for countless others. I’ve watched that same truth play out in my own life.

Years ago, a relationship I held dear was fractured. Words were spoken that cut deep, and the pain lingered far beyond the moment. At the time, I struggled with forgiveness. I knew what Scripture said about it, but living it out was another matter entirely.

The hurt felt too raw, too unjust, and I wrestled with the idea of releasing it. Forgiveness, in that season, felt like surrendering control—like letting go of something I wasn’t ready to hand over to God. But healing didn’t come until I did.

It took time—more time than I wanted. But slowly, God softened my heart. He reminded me that forgiveness isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending it didn’t happen. It’s about entrusting justice to Him. And as I loosened my grip on bitterness, I found something unexpected—peace. What I once thought was impossible became a testimony of His power to redeem.

In Mark 11, Jesus commands His disciples to forgive when they pray. Not because it’s easy. Not because the hurt isn’t real. But because forgiveness is an act of faith—an act of trust in the God who redeems. These passages remind me that forgiveness is never easy, but it is freeing. When we release our grip on past wounds, we make room for God to redeem what once felt irredeemable.

And Psalm 11 reminds us of why we can: “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” No sin, no betrayal, no evil lies outside of His rule. His sovereignty ensures that every wound and every injustice will serve His purposes in the end.

Lord, thank You for redeeming what was meant for harm. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me, and to trust that You are working all things for Your glory and my good. Strengthen my faith as I rest in Your justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Amen.