Persevering Through Hardship
"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
Life is often unfair, unpredictable, and undeniably hard. God does not promise that all things are good in themselves because cancer is not good, divorce is not good, and betrayal is not good. However, God makes a promise that is far more powerful: He promises to work all things together for good.
This verse is often quoted but frequently misunderstood. It does not minimize pain or pretend that bad things do not happen. It does not suggest that we should put a fake smile on our face when our world is falling apart. Instead, it reveals God's incredible sovereignty and His ability to take broken pieces and create something beautiful. He is the Master Weaver who takes the dark threads of our suffering and weaves them into a tapestry of grace. Your hardships are not wasted when they are surrendered to God because He can use your pain to develop your character, expand your ministry, and deepen your reliance on Him. The good He is working toward is ultimately to make us more like Jesus.
Some of my deepest wounds have become my greatest sources of ministry. There was a time when I experienced a profound professional failure, and I felt humiliated and disqualified. I thought my ministry was over. But in that season of brokenness, God did a deep work of humility in my heart. He taught me that my identity was not in my success but in His love. Years later, I have been able to comfort and counsel countless leaders going through similar failures. God took what was meant to destroy me and used it to help others find healing.
If you are going through a difficult season right now, stop asking why is this happening and start asking how might God use this. Ask God to show you one way He might be working for your good or the good of others through this trial.
Lord, I do not understand why I am going through this difficulty, but I trust Your promise. I believe that You are working behind the scenes to bring good out of this bad situation. Help me to persevere with hope and to see Your purpose in my pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Life is often unfair, unpredictable, and undeniably hard. God does not promise that all things are good in themselves because cancer is not good, divorce is not good, and betrayal is not good. However, God makes a promise that is far more powerful: He promises to work all things together for good.
This verse is often quoted but frequently misunderstood. It does not minimize pain or pretend that bad things do not happen. It does not suggest that we should put a fake smile on our face when our world is falling apart. Instead, it reveals God's incredible sovereignty and His ability to take broken pieces and create something beautiful. He is the Master Weaver who takes the dark threads of our suffering and weaves them into a tapestry of grace. Your hardships are not wasted when they are surrendered to God because He can use your pain to develop your character, expand your ministry, and deepen your reliance on Him. The good He is working toward is ultimately to make us more like Jesus.
Some of my deepest wounds have become my greatest sources of ministry. There was a time when I experienced a profound professional failure, and I felt humiliated and disqualified. I thought my ministry was over. But in that season of brokenness, God did a deep work of humility in my heart. He taught me that my identity was not in my success but in His love. Years later, I have been able to comfort and counsel countless leaders going through similar failures. God took what was meant to destroy me and used it to help others find healing.
If you are going through a difficult season right now, stop asking why is this happening and start asking how might God use this. Ask God to show you one way He might be working for your good or the good of others through this trial.
Lord, I do not understand why I am going through this difficulty, but I trust Your promise. I believe that You are working behind the scenes to bring good out of this bad situation. Help me to persevere with hope and to see Your purpose in my pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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9 Comments
Hallelujah! Glory to God! What a refreshing and powerful Word! Thank you pastor Ed! May God continue to use you to encourage His people!
I went through several years of extreme difficulty. The worst struggle of my life. It strengthened bmy relationship with Jesus like nothing else could have. It is the blessing I received from the trial. Don’t ever give up on God-he will deliver in His time. God bless you all.
I know He will make everything work together for my good but thank you Pastor Ed. It is a difficult time right now for me. I appreciate your time and effort. Last night on the way home God told me this was the verse you would write this morning. I think I’m hearing what you hear. I’m never sure that when He speaks if it’s Him I’m hearing or just me picking up on something I want to hear but every time it’s Him. Every single time. Really shows me He is here working. And to think most the people who read this won’t even believe me. lol. You know though. I bet you do
Amén! Thank you Jesus for this message and I know it was exactly what I needed to read this morning. I will continue to pray and seek him.
amén!
Today's DEVO from Pastor Ed touches me deeply. I lead a CBC Women's Community Group (in Boerne) called PAIN TO PURPOSE. It's a 14-week commitment and this is the theme throughout - how God can transform our pain into our purpose. After 3 attempts to take my own life, this is what set me FREE from the bondage of the enemy's LIES and brought me into the LIGHT of God's Truth! My Group is closed right now (so I don't think you'll see it on Group Finder) but if you'd like to know more about it and want to be on the list for our next one, please text me at 210-326-5922. And Pastor Ed, I'm going to share your DEVO today with my Group and I'm sure it will spark a lot of conversation. Thank you for your spirit-led encouragement!
Glory, asking God how this pain and hardship can be used for his plan is something I'm adding on my to do list TODAY!
Thank you Linda. I shared that with my wife. Also I am so sorry pastor Marquis. I just heard the voice on the road in my truck without seeing who was leading the service. I had said thank you Pastor Moe and it was you. I’m sorry about that. Thank you Pastor Q
Some days are really hard. But I will continue to have faith