“We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
Life is full of heartache. We suffer, feel lonely and discouraged, and face criticism. And sometimes that can feel unfair—but it’s not!
Ask yourself this: Did Jesus suffer? Was he sometimes lonely? Was he tempted to be discouraged? Was he misunderstood and criticized unjustly?
Yes! Jesus understands suffering better than anyone.
None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or criticism, because God is developing in us the character of Christ. In order to do that, he takes us through some of the same struggles that Jesus experienced.
Does that mean God causes tragedies? No, God is good. He won’t cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark and stressful times for good. He'll use them to show us how to help others, to teach us to trust him, and to draw us closer to other believers.
The apostle Paul and the people around him found this to be true. Paul says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT).
And then Paul goes on to explain how he and his companions learn to trust God through hard times: “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NLT).
Through their struggles, they became closer to God but also to other believers: “You are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety” (2 Corinthians 1:11 NLT).
So what should you do when you’re going through difficult times?
· Refuse to be discouraged.
· Remember God is with you.
· Rely on God’s protection and guidance.
We all go through difficult times. The difference for those who believe in Jesus is our confidence in God’s promise to be with us, grow us in spiritual maturity, and use our difficulties for good.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Talk It Over
Does knowing that Jesus suffered make your own suffering easier to bear? Why or why not?
Why can you trust God?
What difficulty are you experiencing right now? What is a practical step you can take to draw closer to other believers to help you through this hard time?
Have you trusted Jesus with your life?
God proved his goodness through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 CSB).
Are you ready to trust God to fulfill his promise of eternal life? If so, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
This devotional © 2023 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Everyone faces difficulties—but there’s a difference for those who trust Jesus. Learn what it is and what you need to do when you struggle in today’s #DailyHope devotional.
Rick Warren Bio
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, one of America’s largest and most influential churches. Pastor Rick is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book The Purpose Driven Church was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. Pastor Rick created The PEACE Plan to address the five global giants—spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy—through the power of ordinary people in the local church. His Daily Hope broadcast and daily devotionals are offered around the world. You can listen to the broadcast or sign up for the free devotionals at PastorRick.com.
Tags
How to Get Through What You’re Going Through – 2023, Spiritual Growth, Adversity, Difficulty, Discouragement, Love, God’s Love, God’s Promises, 2 Corinthians 1
Broadcast Series: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through – 2023
Sermon Series: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through
Sermon: 025004_Struggle - When Life Makes No Sense
