Good

When faced with adversity, The Apostle Paul, had a simple mantra: "Good." No matter the obstacle, no matter the setback, his response is always the same. GOOD! Why? Because every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

The story of Joseph from Genesis 37-50 puts flesh on the bone of this theology.  Joseph's life was filled with trial after trial, but what appears as loss, betrayal, and suffering was actually God working a greater plan for good. At the end of his journey, Joseph reflects on the entirety of his suffering and says to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Let’s take Paul's "Good" approach and look at Joseph’s life through that lens—seeing how each "bad" event actually brought about God’s good, according to His sovereign will.

I. Betrayed by His Brothers—Good
Joseph's story begins in Genesis 37 with his brothers' betrayal. Out of jealousy, they sell him into slavery. From a human standpoint, this is a complete disaster. Joseph goes from being his father's beloved son to a slave in a foreign land. The future looks bleak.

According to Genesis 50:20 we could say that Joseph had a "Good" mindset. Betrayal; Good! This sets the stage for God's greater plan. God was sending Joseph to Egypt, not to destroy him, but to position him in a place where he would one day save many lives. Joseph didn’t see the full picture at the time, but even in the pit, God was already working for good.

Lesson: When you're betrayed, when others plot against you—Good. God can use even the most painful betrayals to advance His purpose. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes.

II. Sold Into Slavery—Good
When Joseph is sold into slavery, most would assume his life is ruined. But even in slavery, Joseph works hard, gains responsibility, and becomes the overseer of Potiphar’s household. Joseph could have despaired, but instead, he said, "Good."

In Genesis 39:2, we read, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man.” Even in slavery, God’s presence is with Joseph, and he prospers. His position in Potiphar's house teaches him leadership, management, and resilience—skills he would later use to manage an entire nation.

Lesson: When you’re knocked down—Good. It’s an opportunity to build new skills, learn humility, and trust that God’s hand is with you, even in the lowest of places.

III. Falsely Accused—Good
Joseph's troubles don’t stop with slavery. He is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. Here’s another moment where the natural response might be to lament. But Joseph said, "Good."

Why? Because prison was where God needed him next. While in prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's officials, which eventually leads to his opportunity to stand before Pharaoh himself. What seemed like a dead end was actually a divine detour, moving Joseph closer to his ultimate purpose.

Lesson: Falsely accused? Wronged unjustly? Good. This could be the very detour that brings you closer to the next step in God’s plan for your life.

IV. Forgotten in Prison—Good
After interpreting dreams in prison, Joseph expects to be remembered, but he is forgotten for two years. Two years of waiting in the darkness. Yet even here, Joseph said, "Good."

Because waiting seasons often prepare us for what’s next. In those two years, God was refining Joseph, strengthening his character, and building in him the endurance needed to handle the pressure of ruling Egypt. Had Joseph been released too early, he may not have been ready for the massive responsibility ahead of him.

Lesson: When it feels like your prayers aren’t being answered—Good. Waiting is preparation. God’s delays are never His denials. Trust His timing.

V. Elevated to Power—Good
Finally, after years of hardship, Joseph is elevated to second in command over all of Egypt. He interprets Pharaoh’s dream about a coming famine, and his wisdom saves countless lives. This is the "good" that God had been orchestrating all along.

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” What his brothers intended for harm, God turned into an opportunity for good, not just for Joseph, but for entire nations.

Lesson: When success finally comes—Good. But remember, success is not just for you. It’s for the good of others and for God’s glory. Joseph used his power not for revenge, but for the preservation of life. In the same way, when God brings you through trials, your testimony can become a lifeline for others.

VI. The Ultimate Good: God's Sovereignty
The "good" in Joseph’s life was not just personal success. It was the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan. Joseph’s rise to power was essential for the survival of his family, the continuation of the line of Israel, and ultimately, the coming of the Messiah. Through all the evil intended against him, God was working for a much greater good.

This echoes Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Conclusion: A "Good" Mindset in Every Situation
From the pit to the palace, Joseph’s life embodies the “Good” mindset that Paul speaks of. Every setback, every trial, every moment of suffering was part of God's greater plan for good.

In your own life, when adversity strikes, remember Joseph’s story. When betrayal comes—Good. When you’re knocked down—Good. When you’re falsely accused—Good. When you’re waiting in the dark—Good. God is working in all things for your good and His glory.
Trust in His sovereignty, because as Joseph teaches us, even the worst intentions of others cannot thwart God’s ultimate good plan.