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

And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:1-8

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8

Acts 8:1 leads to the fulfillment of Acts 1:8

"Stephen’s martyrdom led to persecution, and the persecution to the dispersion, the dispersion now resulted is widespread evangelism. The scattering of the Christians was followed by the scattering of the good seed of the gospel. Instead of smothering the gospel, persecution succeeded only in spreading it."
‍— John Stott

God can use the worst evil to bring about the greatest good.

Bottom Line

The key to thriving in difficulty is trusting in God’s redemptive activity.

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.
Romans 8:28

Action Steps

• How have you experienced God bringing good out of the bad in your life?
• When you are being pressed on all sides, what makes trusting God hard for you?
• Are there any areas in your life where God is inviting you trust in His redemptive activity? 

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24-25