Though we fight day in and day out against powerful adversaries and forces, it’s important to remember that good will prevail. No matter what the enemy schemes or plots, God stands guard and has a way of using our most difficult times to create something far greater.
Today, we’ll explore bible verses to show how God always has a plan to convert the enemy’s “evil” plans and circumstances to serve something much more “good” in our lives.
What the Enemy Meant for Evil, God Will Use for Good
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
In the face of Joseph’s tribulations, the key concept of divine providence shines through this verse. Joseph acknowledges that despite the evil intentions of his brothers, God’s purposes prevailed, turning harm into salvation. The ability of God to transfigure adversity into a blessing encapsulates the hope inherent in Christianity.
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.”
This verse is a comforting assurance that God turns everything to good for those who love Him. No matter what adversarial circumstances befall us, the Lord’s providence will intervene and turn things to the benefit of His people. The verse reflects the overarching sovereignty and benevolence of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse reiterates the divine guarantee of God’s protection in the face of trials. While it acknowledges human suffering, it reassures believers of God’s merciful nature. The provided “way out” symbolizes the transformative power of divine intervention, converting trials into bearable challenges, again speaking to God’s capacity to turn ‘evil’ into ‘good’.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James calls on believers to not just endure trials, but to celebrate them. Trials are portrayed as tools God uses for spiritual maturation, transforming them from a source of pain to a pathway to spiritual completeness. Herein lies the promise that hardships, viewed through the lens of faith, can lead to personal growth.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Isaiah assures God’s servants that no malicious intent shall triumph over them. This promise underscores the divine power that safeguards believers from evil. It further underlines the principle that what is meant for evil will not succeed, but will be transformed into a testimony of God’s protection.
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Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse conveys the Christian philosophy of countering evil with good. It’s a call to action for believers to resist allowing evil to influence them negatively, instead transforming adversity into an opportunity for benevolent action.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter’s epistle encourages believers to respond to ill intentions or deeds with kindness. This philosophy signifies the transformative power of the Christian faith, which seeks to convert negative experiences into blessings.
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
The Apostle Paul reminds Christians of the spiritual warfare they are engaged in. With God’s armor, they’re equipped to withstand and transform any evil intent from the enemy into a testimony of their spiritual strength and resilience.
Psalm 91:14
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
This Psalm reaffirms the protective nature of God’s love for those who acknowledge Him. The verse assures believers that any evil meant against them will be converted into a testament of God’s deliverance and protection.
Job 1:21
“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job’s unwavering faith in the face of calamity exemplifies the attitude of acknowledging God’s sovereignty, even when facing what appears as an evil event. It reinforces the idea that even what the enemy intends for harm can serve to glorify God.
Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
This verse reassures believers that God is a deliverer who will rescue the righteous from all troubles. Regardless of the enemy’s intentions, God’s ability to deliver His people reaffirms that what is intended for evil can be transformed into deliverance.
Proverbs 24:16
“For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse.”
This Proverb reminds believers of the resilience that comes from righteousness. The verse speaks to the theme of turning adversity into strength. The trials that are meant to harm the righteous instead serve to demonstrate their resilience and faith.
1 John 5:4
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
John’s message is clear – our faith in God gives us victory over the world and its evils. So, while the enemy may mean actions for evil, our faith transforms these actions into victories.
2 Timothy 4:18
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul’s unwavering conviction in the face of adversity reveals an assured faith in God’s deliverance. It reinforces the theme that even in the face of evil intent, God’s deliverance is sure and what was meant for evil, God uses for good.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Here, Paul’s acknowledgement of his weaknesses and the strength he draws from them highlights the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity. It encapsulates the principle of how what is meant for evil can be converted into strength and glory in Christ.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James empowers believers with the assurance that submission to God and resistance to the devil will lead to the enemy’s defeat. It underscores the theme that no matter what the enemy intends for evil, steadfast faith and resistance can transform it into a victory.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Peter alerts believers to be vigilant and stand firm in their faith. Despite the enemy’s attempts to bring about harm, the believer’s unwavering faith and the shared experience of suffering among the faithful.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Paul reminds believers of the true nature of their struggle—against spiritual forces of evil, rather than earthly ones. This perspective shifts the understanding of trials, implying that the adversities meant to harm can be seen as opportunities for spiritual growth and resistance against evil.
2 Corinthians 2:11
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
This verse underlines the importance of awareness about the enemy’s tactics. When believers are alert, what the enemy meant for evil can be recognized and countered, transforming the intended harm into a testament of the believer’s wisdom and strength in the Lord.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus’s words here are a powerful declaration of His purpose—to bring abundant life. In contrast to the thief (the enemy), who intends harm, Jesus brings blessings. This verse embodies the transformation of evil intentions into divine abundance.
Psalm 118:6
“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
The Psalmist’s confidence in God’s protection exemplifies the courage and trust that believers can have. This verse reinforces that, regardless of any enemy’s intentions for evil, the believer’s faith transforms fear into courage, rooted in God’s steadfast support.
Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
This verse assures believers of God’s active participation in their battles. Even when enemies intend harm, the presence and support of God ensure victory, transforming the evil intent into a testimony of triumph.
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Romans 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Paul’s declaration of being “more than conquerors” in the face of adversities encapsulates the Christian’s victory over evil. Even when the enemy intends harm, believers, through Christ’s love, transform these adversities into resounding victories, further attesting to God’s power.
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
John’s affirmation that believers possess an inner strength, greater than any worldly force, further underscores the theme. Regardless of the harm the enemy intends, the indwelling presence of God in believers empowers them to overcome, transforming intended evil into resounding victory.