From Killers to Kingdom Builders: And Felons to Fearless Leaders -Can God Redeem Your Story? A Look at How God Can Turn the Broken Into Powerful Instruments of His Will

Do You Think You’ve Failed Too Many Times for God to Use You?

Do you believe your past mistakes disqualify you from fulfilling God’s purpose? Do the dirty hands of sin erase you from the plans of God? The answer lies in the incredible stories of redemption and grace woven throughout the Bible—stories like Jacob and his sons, particularly Joseph.

Jacob’s sons, the 12 patriarchs, are remembered as the foundational tribes of Israel. Yet, their story is marred by jealousy, betrayal, and sin. These brothers, out of envy, conspired to kill their own flesh and blood, Joseph, only to sell him into slavery at the last moment. In that moment of deep darkness, their actions seemed irredeemable.

But God saw something greater. He took their evil intentions and wove them into His perfect plan. Joseph, sold as a slave and imprisoned unjustly, rose to become a ruler in Egypt, ultimately saving not only his family but an entire nation from famine.

 What his brothers meant for harm, God used for good—a clear demonstration that no failure is too great for God to redeem.

Joseph’s brothers, consumed with jealousy over their father’s favoritism and Joseph’s dreams of greatness, initially plotted to kill him. However, Reuben, the eldest, intervened and suggested throwing Joseph into a pit, intending to rescue him later. Before he could, the brothers sold Joseph to Midianite traders, who took him to Egypt.

Genesis 37:21–22, 26–27 where Reuben intervenes to save Joseph:

21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said.22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

Flesh and blood can wound sharper

than any stranger's blade.

The pit was never the end—it was the first chapter of promotion.

In Egypt, Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, God was with him, raising him to the position of second-in-command to Pharaoh. When a famine struck the land, Joseph's leadership saved Egypt and surrounding nations—including his family—from starvation.

The favor on your life doesn’t exempt you from trials—it prepares you for them.

The powerful reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers illustrates God's redemptive work. Joseph declared to his brothers:"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, NIV).

We often focus on Joseph's remarkable journey, but let’s pause to consider those who betrayed him—his own brothers. These weren’t just ordinary siblings; the Bible says they became the 12 patriarchs, the foundational fathers of Israel’s tribes. That’s a big deal, especially given their actions. It’s a profound reminder that God can take even the most flawed people and still accomplish His perfect plans.

What is a Patriarch?

A patriarch is a father or leader of a family or tribe. In the Bible, the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—were chosen by God to establish His covenant and His people. Jacob’s 12 sons, despite their sins, became the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel, solidifying their place in biblical history. Their importance lies in fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham to make him the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1–3).

The patriarchs’ lives were messy and broken. Joseph’s brothers plotted against him, faked his death, and sold him into slavery. Yet, these same men became the foundation of God’s chosen nation. This demonstrates that God’s grace is greater than human failure.

Similarly, today’s leaders—preachers, pastors, or fellow believers—may stumble or even fall deeply into sin. Like the patriarchs, they are still recipients of God’s grace and can be restored to fulfill their calling. If God could redeem Jacob’s sons, He can redeem anyone.

What’s meant for your harm is often the raw material for God’s masterpiece.

What seemed like a tragedy—Joseph’s betrayal and enslavement—was part of God’s bigger plan to preserve His people during famine. God weaves redemption into even the darkest moments. This reminds us that no situation, no failure, is beyond His ability to turn for good.

The patriarchs didn’t deserve grace, but God gave it. Likewise, we’re called to show grace to those who fail, even when their actions seem unforgivable. It’s easy to judge others when they fall, but if God still sees their value and potential, shouldn’t we?

God’s grace, not our perfection, is the foundation of His work.

It’s humbling to realize that even the patriarchs had moments of failure. They were not chosen because of their righteousness but because of God’s purpose. This truth changes how we view others' mistakes. Instead of condemning, we should seek to restore and encourage, trusting in God’s ability to work through broken people.

We are living in a time where evil is being increasingly exposed—in both the church and the world. While the church is called to a higher standard, we must remember that none of us are immune to falling from grace. It’s a sobering reminder that pride has no place in our walk with God. No one is so righteous or strong that they can’t stray onto the wrong path.

The headlines are filled with stories of leaders, believers, and institutions facing the consequences of sin. While it may feel disheartening, this exposure is necessary. It’s a painful but purposeful process—a way for God to bring light to darkness, correct what has gone astray, and redirect hearts and lives toward Him. When God exposes sin, it’s not just a judgment—it’s an act of mercy. His love calls for repentance and change, offering a new course if we are willing to follow.

A Warning Against a Judgmental Spirit

As evil is exposed, I see far too many who call themselves Christians running at the mouth, condemning others, spewing hate, and taking pride in the downfall of others. This is not the way of Christ, and Scripture offers strong warnings about such behavior:

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

We are called to restoration, not condemnation, and to examine our own hearts as we approach others in their struggles.

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12)

When we condemn others, we usurp God’s authority.

“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” (Galatians 6:3)

Pride blinds us to our own flaws and leads us into sin.

As we watch these moments unfold, both in others' lives and perhaps even in our own, we’re reminded of these profound truths: A fall from grace does not mean a fall from God’s purpose. As long as there is breath in a person, there is hope for redemption. Just as He used the flawed patriarchs to build a nation, He can use anyone willing to return to Him.

No sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. If we believe that for ourselves, we must also believe it for others. Extending grace mirrors the heart of God, who calls us to lift up those who are down rather than condemn them.

What others mean for harm, God can use for His purposes. Joseph’s brothers betrayed him, yet God used their actions to position Joseph to save many lives. Similarly, today’s failures can be stepping stones to future restoration when surrendered to God.

When someone falls, let’s respond as God does: with a heart that seeks to redeem and restore. His grace transforms, His love redirects, and His judgment refines. Let’s not be quick to judge, but instead be vessels of His grace, believing in His power to turn brokenness into beauty.

Joseph wasn’t just sold into slavery; he was sold into sovereignty. The same God who redeemed the betrayed also worked through the betrayers, turning their flaws into the foundation of a nation. Both sides had moments of failure, but both were mightily used by God—reminding us that whether we find ourselves on the side of betrayal or the one betrayed, God's principles of grace and redemption should always guide our response.

Go here for a short video about Jospeh and his brother! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y3NgtOyrDc