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Turning Evil into Good

Turning Evil into Good

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NKJV).

The Bible does not say all things are good, but that our God, who is good, can take what is evil, what is not good, and bring good out of it—if we trust Him!

The temptation for us, however, is to distrust God and seek to address the evil, the wrong, or the injustice ourselves rather than faithfully practicing God’s methods in our own lives and trusting Him to bring about the good.

The Bible contains multiple real-life examples—real historical people, who went through real difficulties, who had real evil perpetrated upon them, and how when they trusted God, He brought good out of the evil. But the Bible also demonstrates that when people try to fix things in their own way, using the methods of this world, God sends them messages of warning, counsels them to stay faithful, and implores them to trust Him, but if they insist on doing it their own way, He lets them go to reap what their actions cause—pain, suffering, and sometimes death.

God Turning Evil into Good for Those Who Trust Him

Perhaps the most famous example of God turning evil into good is the story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. Despite the evil done to him, Joseph remained faithful and trusted God, who blessed Joseph and, eventually (13 years later) intervened to have Joseph elevated to rule over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. When his brothers finally stood before him confessing their wrong, he said to them,

You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened (Genesis 50:20 GNT).

Yes! Because Joseph stayed faithful in the face of injustice, betrayal, abuse, and other wrongs, God was able to work through him to bring about great good.

There are many more examples in Scripture of God bringing good out of evil in the lives of those who trust Him with how things turn out rather than seeking to fix it themselves by doing what seems right from a human perspective, using the methods of the world:

  • Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego trusted God when evil people sought their destruction. And because they trusted God all the way to being thrown into a fiery furnace, God turned the evil into good by not only delivering them in a miraculous way but also, through their witness, they reached a pagan king with the truth about God—as well as inspiring billions through history.
  • Daniel trusted God in the lion’s den, and God brought good out of that evil. After the evil plot by jealous magistrates resulted in the law that no one could pray to anyone but Darius for 30 days, Daniel, rather than pretending to comply with human law and seeking to solve the dilemma through human methods, such as moving to an inner closet to pray in secret, he continued his daily habit of praying openly at his window toward Jerusalem. When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, God turned that evil into good by protecting Daniel and, through the prophet’s witness, reached Darius and also inspired billions down through history. But if Daniel had tried to avoid the problem by using the wisdom of this world, and even while continuing to pray to the true God, prayed in his closet instead of openly, God could not have brought about the same good from those events.
  • Jehoshaphat was confronted with an enemy army descending upon Judah—evil was bearing down. But rather than do as the world does and gather his army to go to war, Jehoshaphat called the singers together and they praised Yahweh, trusting in God, who then brought good out of the evil, not only by destroying the enemy army, but also enriching Judah with the wealth of the invaders, and giving a testimony for the faithful down through history when we face enemy attacks.
  • Satan persecuted the early church through the agencies of both apostate Judaism and pagan Rome. But those faithful Christians, like Stephen, loved their enemies and trusted their lives to God—and rather than practicing the world’s methods to fight against their enemies, they blessed and forgave them instead. And because they did so, they advanced the gospel and good came out of the evil as souls were saved for eternity.

In my own life, as I was actively sharing this end-time message about God’s character of love, some church leaders opposed what I was teaching and sought to censor the message by using their influence to get my first book, Could It Be This Simple? A Biblical Model for Healing the Mind, dropped by the publisher. In 2010, because of the misguided actions of those leaders, the publisher indeed canceled my contract and returned the rights to me—and God has brought good out of their actions! Come And Reason Ministries began publishing the book, subsequently giving away tens of thousands of copies around the world. It also has since been developed into a prison ministries workbook and translated into Spanish, German, Portuguese, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Polish, Afrikaans, and Korean, reaching multitudes more than it would have had the publisher kept the rights.

Other leaders who disagreed with our message succeeded in having my Bible study class banned from my local church. This was distressing and hurtful, but instead of retaliating, we turned to God, and He led us to establish Come And Reason as a nonprofit ministry in 2010. We have subsequently reached hundreds of thousands of people around the world and have distribution hubs in Australia and South Africa, a weekly webcast, blogs, podcasts, free sharing materials, and more.

We serve the God of reality, a God who is love, and when we trust Him, He always brings good out of the evil that others try to inflict upon us—even if that good may not be known until Jesus comes again.

Trusting the Ways of the World

Conversely, when we don’t trust God but instead attempt to fix things using the wisdom of the world, we reap pain, suffering, heartache, and often death.

  • Adam and Eve, believing the lies of Satan, chose to break trust with God and attempted to advance themselves to become like God—and reaped pain, suffering, and death instead.
  • Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, rather than trusting God with their position and duties, sought to advance themselves into powerful political positions when they opposed Moses but ended up dying when the earth swallowed them up.
  • King Saul, rather than trusting God and following His directions, rebelled and sought counsel from a witch, and he ended up defeated, discouraged, depressed, hopeless, and dead by suicide.
  • Solomon, rather than trusting God with the security of the nation, sought to secure the nation through multiple human treaties that required marriage to multiple pagan wives, and he was corrupted to the point that he eventually worshiped false gods—and he even sacrificed one of his sons.
  • Two thousand years ago, Jewish leaders affirmed Abraham as their father, diligently studied Scripture, and claimed to be blessed by God, but instead of trusting God, they embraced and practiced the methods of this world and ended up rejecting and crucifying Jesus.
  • The millions throughout history who have called themselves Christian but, instead of trusting Jesus and practicing His methods, accepted the world’s ways, believed the lie that God’s law functions like human law, and broke trust with God by using the methods of this world to try to make things right. They went to war (crusades), persecuted those who believed differently (burned them at the stake), and sought to control governments to coerce consciences. Instead of becoming more like Jesus, they became more like His enemy.

The record of human history is clear: God brings good out of evil when we trust Him and apply His methods and principles to our lives. The trap of Satan is to get people to seek to do right, to do “justice,” to resolve conflict and problems, through using his methods and principles—but we can never win God’s cause by using Satan’s methods!

As the final events unfold upon planet Earth, we will all be faced with threats, fears, and injustice of all kinds, and we will be tempted to redress the wrong in our own strength by aligning with and using the powers of this fallen world. It is then that we must remember that God is the one who brings the good, but He is able to do this only as we trust Him.

So when you are tempted, go to Jesus. When you are hurting, go to Jesus. When you are angry, frustrated, and feeling pressure to strike out at those doing wrong, go to Jesus and invite Him into your heart, into your home, into your circumstance, and ask Him to act, lead, deliver, enlighten, direct, and bring about His will in every circumstance. Commit yourself to honoring God, practicing His methods, loving rather than hating, forgiving rather than retaliating, praying for those who mistreat you rather than seeking to punish them—to living God’s methods of truth, love, and freedom by trusting Him with setting things right, praising the beauty of holiness, and then open your eyes and watch the glory of our Creator as He steps into the situation to bring good out of evil!

 

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Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa