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God Meant it for Good
British pastor R.T. Kendall analyzes the Old Testament story of Joseph to bring comfort and hope to those who have been misused, falsely accused, humiliated, abandoned, or otherwise afflicted by showing how God can turn evil to good.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 12, 2018
A parishioner loaned me this book, because she has read it a few times and really loved it.
I got through the first 50 pages, give or take, and enjoyed it, but decided not to finish reading it. But after putting it down for 3 or 4 days, I picked it up again and read it fairly quickly. It's sort of a mixed bag, and Kendall's theology differs from mine, but I'm glad I read it, and glad to hear other theological viewpoints.
Kendall goes through the Genesis story of Jacob's favorite son Joseph (the guy with the Coat of Many Colors), his betrayal by his brothers, and subsequent slavery in Egypt, in a series of 37 meditations. Most are on the story, one episode at a time; he also emphasizes how Joseph is a "type of Christ," prefiguring Christ. That part I found interesting, and Kendall made a very good case for his line of thought.
I know Joseph story very well -- some people consider it "the first novel," and I have taught about it myself -- and sometimes I found myself wondering how Kendall would deal with certain aspects of the story. I was always impressed, I must say, at his conclusions. And I would say the meditations are about 75% about the specific story, but a solid 25% or so is the way it intersects with the Christian life and the reader's relationship with God.
I find it interesting that Kendall (who is now 83 and was the minister at Westminster Chapel in London -- I read up on him on Wikipedia, and it made the book much more interesting to me) came to the conclusion at some point in his ministry that once a person is "saved," they are always saved and cannot "lose their salvation." (The traditional line of thought is that "backsliders" are no better off than non-Christians, and maybe even worse off since they are rejecting salvation by their behavior or change of mind.)
Because of his "once saved, always saved" theology, he had major differences with some other ministers, including the famous Marten Lloyd-Jones, one of his mentors. It's an interesting idea, and I'd be interested to read the book he wrote about it (which I read about on Wikipedia, I think). Here's the gist of it:
Kendall also assumes that the gospels of Matthew and Mark were written by the Biblical people of the same name; I think he also said that Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy were written by Moses -- neither of which have the least credibility to me; and that the Bible is infallible, perfect, inerrant. That, as far as I'm concerned, is Bibliolatry -- worshipping the Bible itself. And in one paragraph, he discusses that "the main benefit" of becoming a Christian
That said, Kendall writes in a very inspiring way, and his use of scripture is also very inspiring.
I got through the first 50 pages, give or take, and enjoyed it, but decided not to finish reading it. But after putting it down for 3 or 4 days, I picked it up again and read it fairly quickly. It's sort of a mixed bag, and Kendall's theology differs from mine, but I'm glad I read it, and glad to hear other theological viewpoints.
Kendall goes through the Genesis story of Jacob's favorite son Joseph (the guy with the Coat of Many Colors), his betrayal by his brothers, and subsequent slavery in Egypt, in a series of 37 meditations. Most are on the story, one episode at a time; he also emphasizes how Joseph is a "type of Christ," prefiguring Christ. That part I found interesting, and Kendall made a very good case for his line of thought.
I know Joseph story very well -- some people consider it "the first novel," and I have taught about it myself -- and sometimes I found myself wondering how Kendall would deal with certain aspects of the story. I was always impressed, I must say, at his conclusions. And I would say the meditations are about 75% about the specific story, but a solid 25% or so is the way it intersects with the Christian life and the reader's relationship with God.
I find it interesting that Kendall (who is now 83 and was the minister at Westminster Chapel in London -- I read up on him on Wikipedia, and it made the book much more interesting to me) came to the conclusion at some point in his ministry that once a person is "saved," they are always saved and cannot "lose their salvation." (The traditional line of thought is that "backsliders" are no better off than non-Christians, and maybe even worse off since they are rejecting salvation by their behavior or change of mind.)
Because of his "once saved, always saved" theology, he had major differences with some other ministers, including the famous Marten Lloyd-Jones, one of his mentors. It's an interesting idea, and I'd be interested to read the book he wrote about it (which I read about on Wikipedia, I think). Here's the gist of it:
By the way, if anybody ever comes along to you and says that there is a chance that you might lose your salvation, ask them this question: is there any chance that Jesus could lose his place with the Father? Ask them: could Jesus be dislodged from the Godhead? Is there any way that Jesus could be disenfranchised by his Father? “Oh no,” they will surely say. Then remind them that every Christian is made a joint-heir with Christ, and we are as secure in his grace as Jesus himself is in the Godhead. That is precisely what our relationship in the family is. 166Now, Kendall is clear about things I disagree with: hell is real, he says, and he uses the Parable of Lazarus and Dives (Luke 16:19-31) as his scriptural proof (there are actually much better examples to use, so his use of a parable to conclude that, "One will discover in hell that it is exactly like God said" (125)) doesn't make much sense to me.
Kendall also assumes that the gospels of Matthew and Mark were written by the Biblical people of the same name; I think he also said that Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy were written by Moses -- neither of which have the least credibility to me; and that the Bible is infallible, perfect, inerrant. That, as far as I'm concerned, is Bibliolatry -- worshipping the Bible itself. And in one paragraph, he discusses that "the main benefit" of becoming a Christian
is that we are going to heaven. That is what it is really all about. But what about on the way to heaven? The Lord may not come this year. We may not die soon; we may live for a while. I hope we do! What about in the meantime? 164Is that what it really is all about? My personal salvation? Happy prize, heaven. Booby prize, hell. It's not my way of thinking. (I prefer what the former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church said, if I recall correctly, that she doesn't want to go to heaven if everybody else doesn't get to as well.)
That said, Kendall writes in a very inspiring way, and his use of scripture is also very inspiring.
God has more in mind for you than even your wildest fancy can grasp. God has a plan for your life. He has a plan for you greater than anything you could conceive. Get out a piece of paper and write down your wildest fancy. I promise it, what God has in mind is greater and better. [Then he goes on to say it took 13 years for Joseph to go from slave to Pharaoh's right-hand Hebrew, so we need to be patient and trust God.] 120And this, which, as a priest, I appreciate:
But the call to Jacob to move to Egypt is also relevant for the Christian. It is a challenge to all of us to be willing to accept the new and the different. What is almost always forgotten is a motto of the great Reformation under Luther and Calvin: the Church reformed but always reforming. What often happens to a church is that it is reformed—period! Because we become opposed to change and will not accept the new and different, the Church becomes staid, cold, lifeless and (surprise, surprise) largely ineffective. Jonathan Edwards taught us that it is the task of every generation to discover in which direction the sovereign Redeemer is moving, and then to move in that direction. 220-221Mixed bag, as I said, but I'm glad I read it, and I'm definitely interested in following up with his "once saved, always saved" book as well.
January 14, 2018
4.5/5 Stars
There is a lot to this book. The author details out Joseph’s life and how it can relate to ours. Very impressive. A little dense at times.
There is a lot to this book. The author details out Joseph’s life and how it can relate to ours. Very impressive. A little dense at times.
September 12, 2022
Having always loved the story of Joseph I was excited to read this one. For the most part my hopes were fulfilled. This book is very in depth and detailed and scriptural. I loved the inclusion of hymns in their written form, which really encouraged us to think about the lyrics. Looking at each individual part of the story helped to illustrate points that would otherwise be easy to miss, and some that aren't usually discussed, such as why Joseph's brothers' response after finding the cup in their bag was important. I enjoyed the book overall my only reason for reducing a star is that the tone was sometimes pretty harsh and lacking in compassion, and also the book was pretty dense.
September 16, 2019
Joseph's gift was given by God from a young age, yet this amazing gift did not serve him any good to start with. Joseph rushed to announce what God has told him personally in his dream to the world. He did not even care to think about what his brothers would feel by hearing his dreams. There was too much pride and ego in his heart that God had to remove before Joseph can be used in a mighty way. Joseph then went on this long journey of learning through experiencing life. He was born in a palace yet was thrown to a dungeon so to speak. He had to go though the fire to be refined. However, the truth is God loved Joseph the same before, during and after this long journey of refining.
Undeniably every stage, every season, every pain, and every pit of Joseph's life has its significance, though he might have not enjoyed all of these parts. This is exactly what God is talking to me through this book. He is saying every part of my life is significant. I am missing out on all the other great things God can do on the seemingly ordinary days if only live my life from one big event to another big event. I might not like this season of pruning and shaping because it is painful by nature. Yet, when God finally reveals the whole picture to me one day I will appreciate all the pains I have to go through. Joseph's pain is not just about himself, it is for his entire household, his nation, and even more - the whole mankind. My pain is not about myself. Your pain is not just about yourself. There is a greater purpose God intended in you and me. He has called you and me in such a time like this.
Be still and dive deep in the calling of God for you. Every day, every hour counts. Allow God to speak to you and change you on an hourly basis. The fact is He can talk to you as often as you tune in to Him. He does not decide how fulfilled your life will be because He has kindly offered you a freewill to choose Him. Just as Nick V. said in his book, he does not decide how often his kids get hugged by him. They decide. How successful do you want to become? How intimate do you wish to be with God? You decide.
Undeniably every stage, every season, every pain, and every pit of Joseph's life has its significance, though he might have not enjoyed all of these parts. This is exactly what God is talking to me through this book. He is saying every part of my life is significant. I am missing out on all the other great things God can do on the seemingly ordinary days if only live my life from one big event to another big event. I might not like this season of pruning and shaping because it is painful by nature. Yet, when God finally reveals the whole picture to me one day I will appreciate all the pains I have to go through. Joseph's pain is not just about himself, it is for his entire household, his nation, and even more - the whole mankind. My pain is not about myself. Your pain is not just about yourself. There is a greater purpose God intended in you and me. He has called you and me in such a time like this.
Be still and dive deep in the calling of God for you. Every day, every hour counts. Allow God to speak to you and change you on an hourly basis. The fact is He can talk to you as often as you tune in to Him. He does not decide how fulfilled your life will be because He has kindly offered you a freewill to choose Him. Just as Nick V. said in his book, he does not decide how often his kids get hugged by him. They decide. How successful do you want to become? How intimate do you wish to be with God? You decide.
February 28, 2024
Please note that a 3-star rating on this site means I liked the book. 2-stars means it was okay, etc.
In God Meant it for Good, R.T. Kendall dissects the life of Joseph as told in the book of Genesis. Dissect is certainly the proper word to use here, as the author extensively details everything that takes place in Joseph's life while still keeping the read short. I appreciate the time and care he took in writing this book.
I appreciated many of the author's comments concerning Joseph's life and God's hand in matters. The author also ties in nearly every passage with something having to do with Christ. I appreciated this as well and even had some aha moments.
The author gives the reasons behind why the people in Joseph's story do the things they do, giving the thoughts behind their actions, etc. I didn’t necessarily always agree. To say that one person did such and such because of this or that isn't always clear and I disagreed with some of his conclusions. .
There were some things that I disagreed with in this book and other things that were good enough to write down so that I can read them again. This is a short but in-depth look into the life of Joseph and it was well written and had some great points.
In God Meant it for Good, R.T. Kendall dissects the life of Joseph as told in the book of Genesis. Dissect is certainly the proper word to use here, as the author extensively details everything that takes place in Joseph's life while still keeping the read short. I appreciate the time and care he took in writing this book.
I appreciated many of the author's comments concerning Joseph's life and God's hand in matters. The author also ties in nearly every passage with something having to do with Christ. I appreciated this as well and even had some aha moments.
The author gives the reasons behind why the people in Joseph's story do the things they do, giving the thoughts behind their actions, etc. I didn’t necessarily always agree. To say that one person did such and such because of this or that isn't always clear and I disagreed with some of his conclusions. .
There were some things that I disagreed with in this book and other things that were good enough to write down so that I can read them again. This is a short but in-depth look into the life of Joseph and it was well written and had some great points.
February 27, 2013
A very simple narrative, with personal examples from the author's life, wrapped around his ideas about the practical implications the life of Joseph, and how it serves as a guide for today. A testament of God's character seen through the Joseph narrative in the Bible.
November 2, 2016
Gets WAY too detailed and over analysing about stuff that the text doesn't say (and I doubt is trying to say).
February 2, 2020
Well, other than the fact that I never read Joseph as being a bad person or doing what Kendall describes as being immature or proud, etc., this book is cool. The same kinds of stuff I always was taught, or else found for myself, in this story, are discussed here.
This is the second source I have come across in a year talking about how Jacob and Joseph had or might have had some annoying characteristics about them...for sure, it has crossed my mind that perhaps Jacob wasn't so easy to get along with? But Joseph always seemed great. As far as, for instance, him bringing his father an evil report of his brothers, I never took that to be tattling, no matter that his brothers might have seen it that way. Maybe because I have seen Joseph to be such a type of Christ, I know Christ might constantly be bringing His Father evil reports of his brethren; but this would not show that Christ or the Father, either one, like hearing the facts--they would be sad, and interested in helping us, and in doing what they can to help the situation. I've never taken the fact that Joseph told his family his dreams as evidence that he was proud or thought he was anything; on the contrary, I've taken the fact that Joseph would say that to his family, when he probably could have known already how it would be taken, as evidence that he was simply committed to speaking truth, and that he had such a guileless heart, and was so innocent, that his own thoughts, if one of his brothers had told such a dream, would be to put a good spin on it, and think the best of his brother. That's how Christ is.
Anyway, aside from the surprise I've had in the outside world's apparently common understanding that Joseph was a very flawed person, (I mean, humans are imperfect, but Joseph was very good) I liked this book and could recommend it that way. I honestly would make fewer recommendations because of this take on his personality, but the rest of it is nice.
This is the second source I have come across in a year talking about how Jacob and Joseph had or might have had some annoying characteristics about them...for sure, it has crossed my mind that perhaps Jacob wasn't so easy to get along with? But Joseph always seemed great. As far as, for instance, him bringing his father an evil report of his brothers, I never took that to be tattling, no matter that his brothers might have seen it that way. Maybe because I have seen Joseph to be such a type of Christ, I know Christ might constantly be bringing His Father evil reports of his brethren; but this would not show that Christ or the Father, either one, like hearing the facts--they would be sad, and interested in helping us, and in doing what they can to help the situation. I've never taken the fact that Joseph told his family his dreams as evidence that he was proud or thought he was anything; on the contrary, I've taken the fact that Joseph would say that to his family, when he probably could have known already how it would be taken, as evidence that he was simply committed to speaking truth, and that he had such a guileless heart, and was so innocent, that his own thoughts, if one of his brothers had told such a dream, would be to put a good spin on it, and think the best of his brother. That's how Christ is.
Anyway, aside from the surprise I've had in the outside world's apparently common understanding that Joseph was a very flawed person, (I mean, humans are imperfect, but Joseph was very good) I liked this book and could recommend it that way. I honestly would make fewer recommendations because of this take on his personality, but the rest of it is nice.
December 31, 2022
God Meant It For Good is based on a series of sermons preached by RT Kendall between 1982 and 83 when he was Minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Like Martyn Lloyd Jones before him his style was expository preaching. He would take months looking at a particular book in detail. The book has been edited down from 49 sermons down to 37 chapters.
It's a comprehensive look at the life of Jospeh as found in the Biblical book of Genesis. Joseph came from a pretty dysfunctional family and he was his father's favourite and this caused so many problems for the whole family.
RT takes time to look in detail at many parts of the story we may often overlook during a casual reading. In particular the section whereJospeh as governor of Egypt hides his cup in his brothers sack is very illuminating and sheds light on a particularly strange passage. There's more to it than Jospeh wanting to get even.
The title God Meant It For Good is taken from the end of the biblical account of Jospeh and sums up the whole story.
A good book for people with an interest in theology or biblical studies. Dr Kendall is able to take difficult passages and open them up. Although it does require the reader to pay attention it's not a particularly difficult read. Well worth the time.
It's a comprehensive look at the life of Jospeh as found in the Biblical book of Genesis. Joseph came from a pretty dysfunctional family and he was his father's favourite and this caused so many problems for the whole family.
RT takes time to look in detail at many parts of the story we may often overlook during a casual reading. In particular the section whereJospeh as governor of Egypt hides his cup in his brothers sack is very illuminating and sheds light on a particularly strange passage. There's more to it than Jospeh wanting to get even.
The title God Meant It For Good is taken from the end of the biblical account of Jospeh and sums up the whole story.
A good book for people with an interest in theology or biblical studies. Dr Kendall is able to take difficult passages and open them up. Although it does require the reader to pay attention it's not a particularly difficult read. Well worth the time.
May 12, 2019
Whew, I finally finished this book. It's been over a year of alternating between giving up entirely and forcing myself to read another chapter, but it has finally (mercifully) come to an end.
There were some excellent nuggets in this book, a great deal of nothing spectacular, some nonsense, and some thing that just aren't true.
One thing that really got on my nerves was the author's repeated harping on the need to forgive ourselves. That is not a biblical concept, and he went on and on and ON about it.
He also went way overboard trying to draw correlations between the story of Joseph and our Christian lives. I mean, every minuscule detail of the story of Joseph was discussed in even more minute detail as an aspect of the Christian life. That got really old.
I can't think of a reason I would recommend this book to anyone, and I certainly never intend to read this author again.
There were some excellent nuggets in this book, a great deal of nothing spectacular, some nonsense, and some thing that just aren't true.
One thing that really got on my nerves was the author's repeated harping on the need to forgive ourselves. That is not a biblical concept, and he went on and on and ON about it.
He also went way overboard trying to draw correlations between the story of Joseph and our Christian lives. I mean, every minuscule detail of the story of Joseph was discussed in even more minute detail as an aspect of the Christian life. That got really old.
I can't think of a reason I would recommend this book to anyone, and I certainly never intend to read this author again.
September 12, 2025
This is an encouraging book. Kendall uses many figures in the Joseph story as types for God and Christ, sometimes you wonder if it was what the Holy Spirit intended; but it all glorifies Christ and is used to teach sound doctrine and to glorify God and edify us, so I didn’t have any problem with it.
Kendall’s application is good and I personally found it such an encouragement to prayer; one of the insights he offered which I liked was that in intercession we pray to God like He doesn’t already know the situation; and we seek to move his heart. Ironically the text he uses to teach this is about Judah speaking to Joseph where Judah is a type of Christ and Joseph a type of God (another loose typology).
Overall it is worth reading!
Kendall’s application is good and I personally found it such an encouragement to prayer; one of the insights he offered which I liked was that in intercession we pray to God like He doesn’t already know the situation; and we seek to move his heart. Ironically the text he uses to teach this is about Judah speaking to Joseph where Judah is a type of Christ and Joseph a type of God (another loose typology).
Overall it is worth reading!
August 16, 2022
I don't often give out fives on this site, but "God Meant It For Good" elaborates on the greatest story ever told, the one about how much God loves you, and for this a five is the only appropriate score. This book by R.T. Kendall is the lesson of Joseph of Genesis and of his brothers, a lesson that teaches about forgiveness and love when neither is deserved. The author gently relates Joseph's story and shows us that the love Joseph showed his brothers is akin to the love God in Christ shows to all of us. It's a love of grace extended fully when it is undeserved. If you understand the love in Joseph, you can understand the love Christ has for you!
February 10, 2025
God meant it for Good is about Joseph's life and how his struggles let him to be in charge of the whole land of Egypt. God needed to develop Joseph's charater to held that position and help his brothers and the rest of his family during the famine.
God tested Joseph and he remained obedient and faithful in the mist of hardship. Vindication comes from the Lord. Joseph learnt to forgive and later realized that it was God plan all along.
The book covers topics like repentance and forgiveness and encourages you to trust in God, He has a purpose even when life is difficult
God tested Joseph and he remained obedient and faithful in the mist of hardship. Vindication comes from the Lord. Joseph learnt to forgive and later realized that it was God plan all along.
The book covers topics like repentance and forgiveness and encourages you to trust in God, He has a purpose even when life is difficult
April 17, 2025
Wow
Every year I read the bible over again. I dive in deeper I to the word of God. This was a heartfelt eye opener on the Joseph's story and I had not seen the message that was in the Scripture. I have prayed many times to God to open my eyes to the understanding of what I am reading in the bible and one day this book appeared to me on Amazon. Come and read this book, it will not disappoint to one who's ready to hear.
Every year I read the bible over again. I dive in deeper I to the word of God. This was a heartfelt eye opener on the Joseph's story and I had not seen the message that was in the Scripture. I have prayed many times to God to open my eyes to the understanding of what I am reading in the bible and one day this book appeared to me on Amazon. Come and read this book, it will not disappoint to one who's ready to hear.
September 7, 2025
Incredible insight into Joseph’s life and God’s plan for him
This book was a true blessing to my wife and I as we read it. Deep spiritual insight into God’s working around, in, and through Joseph’s life. A beautiful rendering of God’s faith, hope, forgiveness, and love and how it shaped the fathers of our faith. Jesus is clearly portrayed in each and every chapter in a deeply moving and powerful way.
This book was a true blessing to my wife and I as we read it. Deep spiritual insight into God’s working around, in, and through Joseph’s life. A beautiful rendering of God’s faith, hope, forgiveness, and love and how it shaped the fathers of our faith. Jesus is clearly portrayed in each and every chapter in a deeply moving and powerful way.
January 22, 2024
God Meant it for Absolute Good
This illustrates a familiar Bible story in an illuminating way. Not much to say than it has been a blessing. The comments on forgiveness resonates with me and the points about how we experience events in a narrow and limited context whereas God zooms in on the big picture is convincing and consoling. Very enjoyable read.
This illustrates a familiar Bible story in an illuminating way. Not much to say than it has been a blessing. The comments on forgiveness resonates with me and the points about how we experience events in a narrow and limited context whereas God zooms in on the big picture is convincing and consoling. Very enjoyable read.
January 31, 2025
Extraordinary Book
This is a book that teaches us how to totally forgive those who have hurt us and how to totally forgive ourselves. It helps us realize how the things that happen in our lives God will make them work for our good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is hurting, it will help you heal.
This is a book that teaches us how to totally forgive those who have hurt us and how to totally forgive ourselves. It helps us realize how the things that happen in our lives God will make them work for our good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is hurting, it will help you heal.
March 24, 2019
This has been one of my life's pondering book eversince I was just a teenager. Until now I am still amazed of how GOD works through the life of Joseph and it amazes me all the more as I can see myself in him. GOD meant everything good for us...
April 24, 2019
Wow. Never heard of R.T. Kendall but he is quickly becoming one of my favorites and want to read more of his books. Great book on Joseph especially the later chapters on total forgiveness. Excellent book.
August 13, 2025
Wonderful
This book is beautifully written and sends Gods message and love to everyone. I feel truly blessed for being sent this book by God to help me see more clearly.
I strongly recommend this to everyone.
This book is beautifully written and sends Gods message and love to everyone. I feel truly blessed for being sent this book by God to help me see more clearly.
I strongly recommend this to everyone.
February 27, 2019
There is much to glean from Joseph's story. I enjoyed this dive into it and the opportunity to consider deeper lessons.
June 6, 2021
What a great book using story of Joseph to portray Lord Jesus, who He is.
November 13, 2022
Unfortunately, he is a Calvinist.
December 21, 2022
Simply Made for Good...
October 1, 2023
GREAT READ! CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT AGAIN.
R.T. opened my eyes to a beautiful comparison between the Joseph and Jesus stories that I never saw before. Thank you.
R.T. opened my eyes to a beautiful comparison between the Joseph and Jesus stories that I never saw before. Thank you.
January 2, 2024
My all time favorite; I always recommend this to people looking for a life changing read!
February 17, 2024
3.5 stars. Loved this book so much and really helped me with forgiveness which is something that I, and most people, struggle with.
February 20, 2025
Powerful
An amazing devotional study on the life of Joseph . Cannot recommend this enough.
Well written, solid teaching, thought provoking.
Worth your time .
An amazing devotional study on the life of Joseph . Cannot recommend this enough.
Well written, solid teaching, thought provoking.
Worth your time .
November 28, 2025
Great read
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a good breakdown of how God used events in Joseph’s life for His purpose.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a good breakdown of how God used events in Joseph’s life for His purpose.
December 14, 2025
Brilliant book, so full of Truth and Spirit filled knowledge. A must read for people considering following Christ. Christians will be refreshed by the well known story of Joseph.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews