Chapter 11: God’s Eternal Character

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“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is [for] your glory.” Ephes. 3:13

Apostle Paul Saw God’s Bigger Picture!

Then there is Joseph, who was sold into slavery to the Ishmaelites by his brothers. God blessed him and he became the Pharaoh’s right hand man in charge of all affairs in Egypt. Joseph’s brothers had planned evil to get

rid of him because they were jealous. This story not only illustrates that Joseph saw the bigger picture of God, but also that God can turn around evil to work good for people.

“The evil you planned to do me has by God’s design been turned to good, to bring about the present result: the survival of a numerous people.” Genesis 50:20

Joseph Saw God’s Bigger Picture!

Sometimes God Turns Evil Into Good!

Then there is the issue of the Ishmaelites. Ishmael’s descendants are Arab-Muslim people. The United States is now conducting a war against

terrorism in the Middle East. The perpetrators of terror appear to be radical Islamists that think they are doing God’s will by murdering innocent people. They do not know God’s righteousness so they practice the “shedding of innocent blood” which is an abomination to God. We read about Ishmael in

the Bible and Genesis 17:20 records: “He [Ishmael] shall beget twelve princes and I [God] will make him a great nation.” However, God also records the character of Ishmael and tells us of future conflict.

“He shall be a wild man; his hand shall be against every

man, and every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” Genesis 16:12