I believe it is safe to say that God uses all things to fulfill his purposes and he even uses evil for his glory and for our good. Romans 8:28 says, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." This type of knowledge allowed Joseph to tell his brothers, "You meant evil against me; but God meant if for good" (Gen. 50:20). Even in the punishment of evil God is glorified. We read in Proverbs 16:4 that "the Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." David says, "Surely the wrath of men shall praise you" (Ps. 76:10).
We see throughout Scripture how God used evil to bring about his desires. Joseph was mentioned already and it serves as a very clear example of how the acts of evil men are used by God for his greater purposes. Joseph shares with his brothers that, "God sent me before you to preserve life" (Gen. 45:5). He said again, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Gen. 50:20).
The story of the exodus from Egypt repeatedly affirms that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh: God says, "I will harden his heart" (Ex. 4:21), "I will harden Pharaoh's heart" (Ex. 7:3), "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart" (Ex. 9:12). God's promises happened long before Pharaoh hardened his own heart. Paul informs us about Pharaoh, "The scripture says to Pharaoh, 'I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth'" (Ro. 9:17).
Another great example is seen in Job. The Lord gave Satan permission (even Satan needs God's permission) to bring harm to Job's family and possessions. Job never blamed God but acknowledged that, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Neither Joseph or Job suffered because of their own sin but God was working His good through these men and their circumstances.
Lastly, the most evil deeds of all history were the crimes committed against Jesus Christ. These crimes were ordained by God and were not random acts of violence. God's timing, the place, those who would betray Christ, and his persecutors were identified in advance. The church of Jerusalem recognized this as they prayed, "For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place" (Acts 2:47). It should be noted that all of the actions and all of the people noted at the crucifixion of Christ were "predestined" by God.
God NEVER does evil and is NEVER to be blamed for evil. James says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire" (James 1:13-14). ALL MEN are responsible for their choices and will be held accountable for their evil. These are difficult thoughts to process and although we may not be able to understand it all, we can walk in confidence knowing that God has always been in control and nothing escapes him.
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