A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 1Sample

God Can Use Dark Times for Good  

None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or unjust criticism. Why?

Because those are things Jesus experienced, and we need to experience them, too, for God to develop the character of Christ in us.

Does this mean God causes tragedies? No. God is good, and he will not cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark and stressful times for good. He can use our current troubles to teach us to trust him, show us how to help others, and draw us closer to other believers.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (NLT).

So, what should you do when you’re going through difficult times?

First, refuse to be discouraged. Then, remember God is with you. Finally, rely on God’s protection and guidance.

God’s light shines even in the darkest shadows.

Talk It Over

• How have you seen God use the pandemic and the focus on social injustice for good?
• When have you seen God bring good out of a bad situation because you trusted and relied on him?
• What good would you like to see come out of these difficult times? Tell God what’s on your mind.

This devotional © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

This reading plan selection is Part 1 of a five-part series. CLICK HERE to read A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 2.