“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20
Many years ago, crossing back into the U.S. from Canada in my old convertible with “JETTE” on the license plate, the border agent looked up and said, “Return of the Jette.” I’ve never forgotten it.
Apologies to Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, but who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Six weeks after hip replacement surgery, I’m back playing pickleball again.
In sports comeback lore, this one may not rank alongside the 2019 Masters victory by Tiger Woods or the 2004 Boston Red Sox, but it feels pretty special to a few folks around here. Pickleball was the last domino to fall in the journey toward getting my life back. It feels good to be out there again, and I’m deeply grateful.
Of course, the greatest comeback story in history is the resurrection of Jesus.
Other comeback stories of biblical proportion would surely include Job, Joseph, and Peter.
In the 42 chapters of the Book of Job, we witness the loss of family, wealth, and health. It is an excruciating narrative of pain and suffering that ultimately ends with restoration and grace. God returns what was lost and doubles what remained.
In Book of Genesis, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Proof that being the youngest in the family isn’t always easy. 😂 Through his God-given ability to interpret dreams, he rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt.
But his rise to power isn’t the best part.
The real triumph comes in reconciliation. Joseph looks at the very brothers who harmed him and says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” That is the sound of a wounded heart transformed by grace.
Simon Peter’s fall may be the easiest to identify with. Fear drove him to deny knowing Jesus in order to save himself. Yet after breakfast on a beach with the resurrected Christ, Peter is restored. The man who once hid in fear becomes a bold leader of the early church.
Do you have a comeback story?
God is still in the comeback business.
Some of us believe we cannot come back from something we’ve done, something done to us, or something we’re still struggling to escape. That’s a lie.
Nothing is too broken, too far gone, or too hard for God.
The Father is still welcoming home the Prodigal and killing the fatted calf.
The Good Shepherd is still leaving the ninety-nine to search for the one.
Mary’s Son is still turning water into wine.
Run the Play:
Ask God to give you a platform to share, or perhaps even co-author, your own comeback story.
Finding Our Place in the Story
Where in your life do you most need to believe that God is still writing a comeback instead of closing the book?
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