Many people know the Bible story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery but who ended up becoming second-in-command in Egypt. Years after their betrayal, Joseph confronted his brothers and said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT).
That’s called redemptive suffering, where you suffer for the benefit of other people. It’s what Jesus did for you! When he died on the cross, he wasn’t paying for his sins, because he didn’t have any. He was paying for your sin and my sin.
In redemptive suffering, God takes the bitter, and he makes the world better because of what you went through. God says, “It’s not all going to be good in your life, but I can use it all for good and fit it into the plan—even the hurts and the sins of other people, even when you’re an innocent person and you’ve been hurt by others.”
Because God is a good God, he loves to bring good out of bad. Anybody can bring good out of good. Only God brings good out of the bad.
Romans 5:3 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (NLT). You can be happy even in the middle of pressure and trials and troubles and tribulation. Why? Notice the phrase “for we know.” Happiness in life depends on what you know, not what you go through. You can put two people through the same circumstances, and one of them can be happy while the other is devastated. Why? Because it’s what you know that makes a difference.
God’s much more interested in your character than your comfort. He wants you to grow more like him while you’re here on Earth because the only thing you’re taking to heaven is you. How does he do it? Through all these problems and trials that you face. You can know in the midst of them that he is developing patient endurance in you, and he will use your suffering for your good and the good of others.
Have you trusted Jesus for your salvation?
The Bible says we can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. And we don’t have to earn God’s love or work our way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess my sin, and I believe that you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say that salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life.
“Jesus, I want to relax in your love. Thank you that I don’t have to earn it or work for it. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your 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.
Talk It Over
How does your perspective change in the midst of your suffering when you consider that it may be for the good of others?
How does your perspective change in the midst of your suffering when you consider that Jesus suffered on the cross for your redemption?
What are some things you’ve learned about God and yourself while you were going through a time of suffering? How have those lessons helped you grow spiritually?
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