20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. . . Genesis 50:1 (ESV)
The verse from Genesis is a record of Joseph's conversation with his brothers. They are afraid now that their father is dead, Joseph will exact revenge on them because they sold Joseph into slavery. However, Joseph reminds them that if they had not sold him, he would not have earned the position and authority in Egypt to have saved millions from the famine.
Scripture is replete with examples of God's using "evil" for the ultimate good.
David slept with Bathsheba, another man's wife. But it is through this blood line our savior, Jesus Christ, was brought to earth.
Judas turned Jesus over to the Roman authorities. The result was Jesus death on the cross, but it was through his death and resurrection that salvation was brought to the world.
The world may deal with God's children harshly, but if we are obedient, faithful, and watchful, we can see the good He is working through the hardships.
One parting thought- If you are going through a particular trial, first go to God with an honest, sincere, open heart and ask Him to reveal any sin that might be causing the trial. Fix that first. If none is found ask for wisdom, strength, and peace, then look for the lemonade.
Keep in mind the lemonade might be days, weeks, months, or, in Joseph's case, even years down the road, but the lemonade is there.
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